Chelsea secured their place in the UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over FC Copenhagen at Stamford Bridge, completing a 3-1 aggregate win. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall delivered the decisive goal in the second half, yet Chelsea's performance left lingering doubts about their attacking creativity and overall approach under manager Enzo Maresca.

A Dull First Half Raises Concerns
The match began cautiously, with Chelsea dominating possession but failing to create clear-cut chances. The first half ended without a single shot on target from the Blues, raising concerns about the team’s lack of penetration.

Copenhagen, meanwhile, defended deep, absorbing Chelsea’s pressure but rarely threatening in attack. The Stamford Bridge crowd grew restless, frustrated by the team's slow and predictable play.

Dewsbury-Hall Delivers the Breakthrough
Sensing the urgency, Maresca introduced Cole Palmer and Marc Cucurella at halftime to inject energy into the attack. Palmer, who was battling a stomach bug, immediately added a spark, linking up well with the midfield.

The breakthrough arrived in the 55th minute, when Dewsbury-Hall pounced on a defensive mistake from Copenhagen. With composure, he slotted the ball past the goalkeeper to give Chelsea a crucial lead.

Despite taking control, Chelsea failed to extend their advantage, and the match ended 1-0, securing a comfortable aggregate win but leaving fans unconvinced.

Concerns Over Chelsea’s Playing Style
Even with the victory, doubts remain over Chelsea’s tactical approach. Maresca, known for his possession-based system inspired by Pep Guardiola, has faced criticism for the team’s lack of attacking flair and creativity.

While Chelsea controlled the game, they struggled to break down Copenhagen's compact defense. The atmosphere at Stamford Bridge was muted, with supporters growing impatient at the slow build-up play.

Some fans and pundits argue that Chelsea needs more urgency and directness in attack if they are to compete at higher levels. Maresca’s system has been effective in controlling games, but it has not always been entertaining or decisive in the final third.

What’s Next for Chelsea?
Europa Conference League Quarter-Finals
With this win, Chelsea advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face either Legia Warszawa or Molde. The squad will need to step up their performance to progress further in the competition.

Crucial Premier League Fixture Against Arsenal
Next up, Chelsea face a tough Premier League encounter against Arsenal. With Champions League qualification hopes still alive, Maresca’s side must improve their attacking play to challenge Mikel Arteta’s high-flying Gunners.

 
Final Thoughts
While Dewsbury-Hall’s goal ensured Chelsea’s progression, the overall performance left more questions than answers. As the season progresses, Maresca must find a way to balance control with attacking efficiency to meet both tactical goals and fan expectations.

Chelsea’s quarter-final place is secured, but whether they have what it takes to go all the way remains a major talking point.