Paul Merson wasn’t impressed by what he saw from Chelsea during the defeat to Sunderland, singling out one Blues player in particular for criticism.
Chelsea missed the chance to go second in the Premier League table, losing 2-1 at home to Sunderland in front of their own fans. Instead, they sit seventh on 14 points after nine league games and could slide down the division standings by the end of the weekend.
The Blues actually raced into an early lead on Saturday afternoon via Alejandro Garnacho’s strike. However, goals from Sunderland duo Wilson Isidor and Chemsdine Talbi clinched the visitors three points, with the latter’s coming in stoppage time.
Although Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris praised Chelsea in his pre-match press conference, he just watched his side deliver the perfect away performance against them at Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea team in a huddle just before the Premier League match against Sunderland.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Paul Merson criticises Chelsea and Joao Pedro
After Chelsea’s home defeat to Sunderland, Paul Merson wasn’t impressed by what he saw from them.
His criticism included a small dig at Blues attacker Joao Pedro, claiming he “looked lost” during the league contest.
Merson told Sky Sports: “Chelsea ran out of ideas. They had winger after winger but half of them don’t go past anyone. Pedro looked lost as a number ten. They struggled and were pretty poor.”
Similarly, Jason Cundy said Sunderland dealt with Pedro very effectively because he barely had an impact on the weekend’s match.
The Brazil international operated in a number 10 position, which is meant to be his favoured role, behind striker Marc Guiu. However, he struggled to find space and make a difference, failing to attempt a single shot.
Micah Richards claims Pedro is best as a number 10, so it’s pretty concerning to see him ghosting through a game at home to a newly-promoted team, even though they look like a very impressive outfit.
Joao Pedro gestures during Chelsea against Sunderland in the Premier League.
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Estevao Willian is a potential solution
If Pedro needs a game or two out of the side to refresh, Chelsea talent Estevao Willian may deserve a chance as the number 10.
Of course, Cole Palmer would be the natural starter in the creative hole, but he’s still sidelined for another month with his groin problem. It is perhaps starting to catch up with the rest of the group that he’s missing during such a congested run of fixtures.
Estevao, who was used as a substitute against Sunderland, definitely has the star quality to shine, regardless of whether he’s playing out wide or centrally.