The team that Calum McFarlane went with for Chelsea’s 1-1 draw with Manchester City in the Premier League was a very interesting one.
Because of injuries and suspensions, the Chelsea interim manager was forced to make changes. For example, Robert Sanchez missed the game with a small problem, while Moises Caicedo was suspended.
In the end, though, McFarlane was able to guide the Blues to a draw. It was a good point considering the circumstances.
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Andrey Santos' pass completion rate vs Man City
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There was also another change that McFarlane made that Enzo Maresca would have perhaps opted against.
Josh Acheampong of Chelsea runs with the ball
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Josh Acheampong proves himself against Erling Haaland and Manchester City
With Marc Cucurella unavailable for selection, McFarlane went with Malo Gusto in the left-back position and Josh Acheampong on the opposite side.
McFarlane could have gone with James at right-back and started Andrey Santos in midfield, but he put his faith in Acheampong instead. It is something that Maresca may not have done after overlooking the 19-year-old this season.
Before Sunday’s game, Acheampong had only made five starts in the Premier League. After his latest performance, it is hard to understand why. Simply put, Maresca was wrong to snub him.
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The defender was taken off after the hour mark, but he did an excellent job before then. There was one moment in the game when he gave the ball away before making an excellent recovery tackle on Erling Haaland.
In total, Acheampong made five defensive actions, winning two of the three tackles he attempted, as per Sofascore.
Liam Rosenior is now set to take over from McFarlane, and it will certainly be interesting to see how he handles a young talent like Acheampong.
Calum McFarlane, Interim Manager of Chelsea, reacts
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Liam Rosenior has to utilise Josh Acheampong
Chelsea fans will be hoping that Rosenior uses Acheampong, unlike Maresca. And the 41-year-old could really benefit if he does.
Acheampong can play at both centre-back and right-back. He can be a very useful player for Rosenior, especially with Chelsea picking up so many injuries in defence.
As well as Cucurella, Wesley Fofana also missed the City draw because of a fever, while Levi Colwill is still out with an ACL injury. Now is certainly not the time to be keeping Acheampong on the bench.
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