Chelsea’s defeat against Arsenal in the EFL Cup semi-finals had more people talking about the manager’s tactics rather than the players’ performances.
Liam Rosenior came with a clear gameplan to nullify the threat of Arsenal for the majority of the second leg, before having a real go upon the arrival of Estevao Willian and Cole Palmer to proceedings.
The Blues would end up losing 1-0 on the night thanks to Kai Havertz’s last-minute goal, however this ultimately changed nothing as the tie was over at this point.
IN THE BLUE CORNER…
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Declan Rice was full of praise for Chelsea’s performance, however not everyone was as impressed with what they had seen from the Blues.
Arsenal v Chelsea - Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Gary Neville stunned at Chelsea’s tactics in added time vs Arsenal
Gary Neville was commentating on the game for Sky Sports, and he stated that he couldn’t believe what he was seeing when the Blues were not pushing hard for a goal in the final moments.
He said: “They’re still recycling the ball, it’s absolutely crazy, they can’t work a position to get the ball into the box.”
Despite the fact that Palmer, Estevao and Alejandro Garnacho were now on the pitch, Chelsea’s best chances came from range. Enzo Fernandez blazed a number of shots over the bar.
Rosenior will be left wondering if he came with the right gameplan to the Emirates, and if they could have avoided defeat playing a different way.
Is Liam Delap not good enough for Chelsea or are we not playing to his strengths?🤔
Liam Delap's display vs Arsenal
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
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Liam Rosenior’s tactics questioned
There were eyebrows raised when Chelsea named their XI to face the Gunners. They were operating in a back five for the first time in Rosenior’s reign.
Gary Neville immediately spotted an issue when Liam Delap was on the right-wing, a position he clearly didn’t look comfortable in.
Paul Merson was left stunned at Chelsea’s approach to the game, although Trevoh Chalobah defended the manager’s plan going into the game.
It remains to be seen how the manager will line up his side when they return to Premier League action at the weekend against Wolves.
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