Sawt Falasteen - Maresca leaves celebrations to players after Chelsea sink Fulham

Maresca has endured stinging criticism from Chelsea supporters in recent weeks after a series of erratic performances marred by his conservative tactics.

But the hostility directed towards the Italian evaporated at Craven Cottage after Pedro Neto's superb strike in stoppage-time completed a stirring Chelsea fightback to keep alive their bid to qualify for the Champions League.

Neto's bolt from the blue could prove a pivotal moment in Chelsea's season, coming after 18-year-old Tyrique George hauled them level with his first Premier League goal in the 83rd minute.

Chelsea had been facing a damaging loss in the race for a top five finish since Alex Iwobi blasted Fulham in front midway through the impressive first half.

Maresca could have been expected to join the jubilant celebrations on the pitch after the west London derby success.

Yet the former Leicester boss was quick to disappear to the dressing room, insisting he was not making a point to the fans, but merely letting the players take their moment in the spotlight.

"It was a moment for the players. They deserved to share that moment with the fans. That's the reason I left the pitch," he said.

"I celebrated when we scored the second goal and they gave me a yellow card."

Maresca was targeted for abuse by frustrated fans during recent home matches, including Thursday's UEFA Conference League quarter-final second leg defeat to Legia Warsaw - which did not stop their progress to the last four -- and last Sunday's home draw with lowly Ipswich.

The atmosphere has soured as the Blues' bright start to the season has given way to mixed results and a style of play that has failed to excited supporters.

However, Pedro's winner changed the picture in the Champions League race, with Chelsea now in fifth place, two points behind third-placed Newcastle with five games left.

"The goal from Pedro doesn't change my view of the season," said Maresca. "This season we've spent all season in the Champions League spots.

"I was quite positive at 1-0 down because I think the team was creating chances. Sometimes you also have to be a little bit lucky.

"I think Tyrique's goal gave us energy, an extra boost, but the team was performing well."

L.AbuTayeh--SF-PST