Liam Rosenior was unable to make it five consecutive wins in the Premier League after watching his Chelsea side draw 2-2 with Leeds United on Tuesday.
Under Rosenior, Chelsea had been on an impressive run of form in the English top flight, winning four games in a row.
Tuesday night, they came close to making it five after going 2-0 up against Leeds. However, the Blues collapsed as the second half progressed, while Cole Palmer missed a glorious chance at the end to make it 3-2 after Leeds had got themselves back into the game.
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The Whites’ second goal was scored by Noah Okafor and left Paul Merson far from impressed with Chelsea’s defending.
Chelsea's Josh Acheampong gestures
Photo by Andrew Kearns – CameraSport via Getty Images
Paul Merson points finger at Josh Acheampong after Leeds equaliser
Josh Acheampong made a rare start a day after Rosenior had sung the young defender’s praises.
In his pre-match press conference, Rosenior spoke about Acheampong in detail, hailing his potential and explaining that he sees his future in central defence.
The 19-year-old did not have the best game against Leeds, though, and Merson thinks he should have done better for Leeds’ equaliser.
Commentating on the match for Sky Sports, the Arsenal legend said: “Acheampong should clear. [Robert] Sanchez comes out and gets nowhere near it. It’s an absolute shocker. I cannot believe what I’m watching.”
That was just the seventh time that Acheampong had started a match in the Premier League this season.
Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, Malo Gusto of Chelsea and Josh Acheampong of Chelsea are involved in a mix up
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Two of Josh Acheampong’s teammates also have to take responsibility for draw
It would be very harsh to solely blame Acheampong for Chelsea dropping points on Tuesday night.
Chelsea fans – was Rosenior to blame, or was it the players? 😤
Chelsea failed to hold on to a 2-0 lead over Leeds.
It was Moises Caicedo who allowed Leeds back into the game after he gave away a penalty with a reckless tackle.
Palmer put in a brilliant performance and was so elegant and skilful on the ball. He looks back to his best again after all of his injury problems. However, the attacking midfielder should have won the game for Chelsea with his chance at the end of the match.
According to The xG Philosophy, the opportunity that Palmer missed had an xG of 0.91!
Ultimately, as well as Acheampong, Caicedo and Palmer also have to take responsibility for Chelsea not claiming all three points.
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