Gary Neville couldn’t understand why Jamie Gittens had been so negative against Leeds before getting the assist for Chelsea’s goal.
Chelsea turned in a poor performance having played so well against Barcelona and Arsenal, and slumped to a 3-1 defeat at Elland Road on Wednesday evening.
The defeat means Chelsea have dropped to fourth in the table, with Aston Villa going three points above them in third.
Gary Neville on Jamie Gittens performance
Enzo Maresca made five changes to the side, one of which was Gittens, who started for the first time since the win against Burnley.
Like his team-mates Gittens struggled in the first half and didn’t have much of an impact on the game, and was taken off in the second half.
Jamie Gittens battles for possession against Leeds.
Gittens set up Neto for Chelsea’s only goal against Leeds. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
However, Gittens was involved in the goal with his cross converted by Pedro Neto, but Neville couldn’t understand why the England under-21 international had been so negative during the game.
“Gittens has been so negative in this game, but this time he goes straight at [Jayden] Bogle — why’s he not been doing that for the last 50 minutes?” he said on commentary for Sky Sports.
It’s a fair point and one that’s hard to argue with, and Alejandro Garnacho had success when he came on after running at his man and taking him on.
Gittens has one goal and five assists in 17 appearances in all competitions this season, but like so many of Chelsea’s players is struggling to find consistent form.
Maresca singles out Neto and Garnacho as Chelsea’s best players
Despite Gittens getting the assist it wasn’t his best performance, and Maresca bemoaned the fact no one was at the level required.
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Enzo Maresca on the touchline against Leeds.
Enzo Maresca looks in despair against Leeds.
Tosin Adarabioyo duels vs. Leeds.
It’s so frustrating to see such good performances against Barcelona and Arsenal, and then such a bad performance straight after.
Maresca singled out Neto and Garnacho as Chelsea’s best players on the night, but everyone needs to seriously respond against Bournemouth on Saturday.