As the dust settles on Chelsea’s EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Arsenal, many are still left wondering if the Blues took the right approach to the game.
Liam Rosenior was bold in his tactical decision to play the long game, essentially giving his side just 30 minutes to score and start to overturn their 3-2 deficit.
They ended up failing to do so, and losing the tie 4-2 on aggregate as Kai Havertz found the net in the final moments against his old side.
Wesley Fofana was solid against Arsenal 💪
Who do you want to see partner the Frenchman if he stays fit?
Wesley Fofana's number of aerial duels in Arsenal vs Chelsea
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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One of the interesting decisions the manager made was who he started in the wide areas. Gary Neville immediately noticed a problem with Liam Delap on the right.
Arsenal v Chelsea - Carabao Cup Semi Final Second Leg
Photo by Chris Lee – Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Enzo Fernandez ‘wasted’ during Chelsea vs Arsenal
Enzo Fernandez started on the left of attack, and struggled to make any real impact on the game when clearly not playing in his strongest position.
Paul Merson was really not happy with Chelsea’s performance at the Emirates, and told Sky Sports he thinks the World Cup winner was wasted by Rosenior in this game.
He said: “I thought Enzo was wasted on the left, up against one of Arsenal’s best defenders in Timber. Felt like a waste of time.”
Merson was left shocked at Chelsea players defending the club’s plan for the game. Trevoh Chalobah defended the gameplan after the game.
Did Rosenior get his tactics wrong against Arteta? 🤔
Hindsight is a wonderful thing…
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Chelsea didn’t get the best out of their in-form star
Before this game, the Argentine was on a run of scoring in his last three games in all competitions, including the dramatic winner against West Ham.
In fact, the narrative of best midfielder in the league, which has previously revolved around Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice, is being infiltrated by another player.
Jamie Carragher described Fernandez as one of the best in his position as he broke down his tactical role in Rosenior’s side.
The semi-final usage will likely go down as a one-off, and he will be one of those playing a completely different role when they face Wolves on Saturday.
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