Chelsea gave their fans plenty of reason to celebrate with a weekend victory against Nottingham Forest, but one player in the squad should be worried by his performance.
The Blues secured a 3-0 away win in the Premier League after the international break, resulting in Ange Postecoglou being sacked as Forest’s manager in the process.
Most importantly, Enzo Maresca’s side backed up the Liverpool victory with another three points on Saturday. They will get the chance next weekend at home to Sunderland to extend that league run to help climb the table.
Although there’s plenty to be positive about from Chelsea’s latest success, Alejandro Garnacho may start to feel the pressure. The 21-year-old’s latest performance in the Forest fixture was underwhelming again, so he should be worried about his spot in the team moving forward.
Chelsea winger dribbling with the ball against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
Alejandro Garnacho disappoints vs Nottingham Forest
Garnacho, starting back-to-back matches, was picked on the left wing against Forest. However, he lasted just 45 minutes because he was part of a triple substitution at the break.
His stats via Sofascore from the match were pretty concerning, including the fact he lost possession six times in a half of football.
Minutes played – 45
Goals – 0
Assists – 0
Total shots – 0
Key passes – 0
Crosses (accurate) – 1 (0)
Accurate passes – 7/8 (88%)
Touches – 18
Dribbles (successful) – 1 (1)
Was fouled – 2
Possession lost – 6
Tackles (won) – 1 (1)
Ground duels (won) – 5 (4)
Aerial duels (won) – 1 (0)
Garnacho’s start to his Chelsea career has been average. Unfortunately, his record now reads zero goals and zero assists from his opening six appearances across all competitions for the Blues. As a result, he’s surely looking over his shoulder because the competition for the wide areas is fascinating at Stamford Bridge right now.
The Argentine winger is effectively fighting it out with Jamie Gittens to start on the left flank, and the latter looks the more threatening of the pair. Alternatively, Pedro Neto can shift over to the left when Estevao Willian starts on the right wing.
Earlier in the season, Pat Nevin had doubts over the Garnacho signing from Manchester United. It feels like that fear will be growing now within the fanbase, too.
When Chelsea head coach Maresca comes to picking his next XI, Garnacho should have a real fear that he could be left out.
The Chelsea team in a huddle pre-match before facing Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
What Alejandro Garnacho has said about Chelsea
Prior to Chelsea’s win against Forest, Garnacho tipped his team to enjoy a really successful season competing for silverware.
Garnacho said via Chelsea’s official website: “I think we have a team that can fight in the league and for the rest of the trophies, and we want to try to win at least one trophy. Because of the moment of the team, of the club, I think we can fight for the big trophies. It’s the dream we have.”
If the rapid winger wants to play a major role this campaign, he will need to sharpen up his end product.
Even though Garnacho has started slowly in Chelsea colours, he’s got an encouraging CV. He scored 26 goals and provided 22 assists in 144 senior appearances for Man Utd before exiting Old Trafford in the summer.
Chelsea’s sporting directors were keen on recruiting Garnacho because of the promising data, but now everyone needs to see proof of that on the pitch.