Chelsea change in recent weeks shows an Enzo Maresca quality critics won't like

It's been a rollercoaster campaign for . Having been mentioned as potential title contenders in the autumn, the Blues' season nosedived after the new year, with fears that Chelsea could even drop out of the Champions League qualification positions altogether.

However, with one match of the Premier League season to go, a spot in Europe's most prestigious competition is still in their hands. They'll likely have to beat fellow contenders Nottingham Forest on the final day to confirm their place in the Champions League, but add a potential European trophy into the mix, and it's shaping up to be a pretty good season's work for Enzo Maresca and co.

The relief on Maresca's face was evident at the full-time whistle against Manchester United on Friday night, with Chelsea having had to dig . It came in stylish fashion when Reece James picked out Marc Cucurella inside the penalty area, with the fullback showing the necessary composure in front of goal.

Not only was it a massive win in the bid to qualify for the Champions League, but it was further proof that the biggest problem hanging over Maresca's management style might've been solved. Far too often this season, Chelsea's fledgling side have been accused of having a soft underbelly, while lacking the required grit and determination.

Excluding last weekend's defeat against Newcastle United (in which Chelsea, playing with 10 men, looked the better team for large parts), that same accusation can't be levelled at them in recent weeks. Instead, Maresca's men have found a way to win ugly.

A 93rd-minute Pedro Neto goal against Fulham gave the capital club a much-needed win last month, while a week later, Chelsea showed resilience to defeat Everton by a slender 1-0 margin. A victory against the (albeit hungover) champions Liverpool followed, with another 1-0 win against United the latest in a growing list of steely performances that have led to victories for Chelsea.

If Chelsea go on to finish in the top five and lift a trophy this season, it could prove an egg in the face for the Maresca critics, who have previously questioned his credentials for the Stamford Bridge job. Get over the line this season, and he'll have a mandate better than any Chelsea boss since Thomas Tuchel to lead them into the new season.