Jamie Carragher made a tongue-in-cheek jibe towards Chelsea's set-piece coach following their struggles against Bournemouth.(Image: Sky Sports Premier League/X)
Jamie Carragher has joked that Chelsea 'could' sack their set-piece coach following their showdown with Bournemouth. The Blues conceded twice from set-pieces, but in a similar fashion, as two long throw-ins were the undoing for Enzo Maresca's side.
David Brooks scrambled the ball home after some poor defending from Chelsea. The long-throw came in and was flicked on for the Welshman, he saw his initial stooped header saved by Robert Sanchez but managed to steer the ball home.
Cole Palmer levelled proceedings from the penalty spot before Enzo Fernandez gave the hosts the lead for the first time on the night. However, another hoisted delivery into the box was Chelsea's undoing with Justin Kluivert ghosting to the backpost and tapping in.
Carragher joked that the set-piece coach at Stamford Bridge could receive his marching orders. He said: "Maybe Chelsea will sack their set-piece coach tomorrow as well."
However, that won't be happening, especially given how well Chelsea have fared from set pieces this season. Under the guise of Bernado Cueva, Chelsea boasts one of the best records from set-pieces this season.
Chelsea are the fifth-best team in the Premier League for non-penalty set-piece goal difference, according to statistics gathered by Opta.
Only Manchester United, Arsenal and Leeds United have scored more while they had conceded seven from set-pieces before Tuesday night's match, with Newcastle, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool shipping more.
The Anfield icon's comments come in light of a shock departure of their own with Arne Slot's axing of set-piece coach Aaron Briggs. The Englishman left the Premier League champions following Liverpool's poor defensive record from dead-ball situations.
David Brooks scored after a scrappy goal after a long throw-in(Image: AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Briggs, who was initially appointed as an elite development coach on Merseyside, was installed as the set-piece coach after Liverpool didn't fill the position after it was advertised in the summer.
This season, no team in Europe's top five divisions has conceded more set-pieces than Liverpool, excluding penalties, after the Reds have allowed 12 goals so far.
The latest came on Saturday against Wolves when Santiago Bruno turned the ball home after they failed to deal with a set-piece situation. The effort sparked a nervy ending for the Reds, despite having a two-goal advantage.
“Liverpool FC can confirm Aaron Briggs has departed his role as set-piece coach of the men’s first team.
“Having joined the club in July 2024 – initially in the role of individual development coach – Briggs contributed to our Premier League title success last season as a member of Arne Slot’s backroom staff.
“He leaves with the appreciation and best wishes of everyone at the club.”
Chelsea, meanwhile, made move to bring Cueva across London after impressing at Brentford. The Mexican left the Bees to join Enzo Maresca's backroom staff, the move saw Chelsea poach the analyst.
Following the departure, Brentford's director of football Phil Giles said: "Bernardo has done a fantastic job for us over the last four seasons.
"His first season ended with promotion to the Premier League, and he has played a key role in us now achieving four successive Premier League seasons.
"Part of Bernardo’s role relates to our set-piece strategies, and this is an area I think everyone at the club can be proud about.
"He leaves with the blessing and best wishes of everyone at Brentford."