Gary Neville has hit out at Chelsea’s tactical setup during their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, questioning why Liam Rosenior is using Reece James the way he is.
Reece James was the standout for Chelsea against Arsenal, despite the defeat. We gave Reece James an 8/10 for his display after looking accomplished and improving his crossing at the Emirates.
However, it was two set piece goals that cost the Blues, and resulted in calls for immediate improvement from Liam Rosenior after the game.
Bernardo Cueva was furious after the Rice handball was waved away, but it’s the Chelsea defending that he needs to be more worried about.
Gary Neville even pointed out that Reece James was being used completely wrong from corners.
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Gary Neville points out Reece James marking Gabriel Magalhaes
Speaking on the Gary Neville podcast, Neville said he felt sorry for Reece James vs Arsenal from corners and felt Rosenior overcomplicated things.
“I felt sorry for Reece James actually, specifically on corners because he was given the task of blocking Gabriel. And I just think you’re overcomplicating it. I know what they’re trying to do with that.
“They’re trying to get Reece James, who’s quite stocky in build, to block him before he makes his run. But it becomes about a height thing in the end. And I just think that Reece James ordinarily would never pick up the best header of the ball in the opposition team.”
This is an OUTRAGEOUS take! 😳 🤯
But does this TalkingPoints user have a point?
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What changes should Chelsea make moving forward?
Chelsea must urgently simplify their defensive setup at set-pieces to stop the self-inflicted wounds that defined their 2-1 defeat to Arsenal. Statistically, the Blues have conceded the most chances from corners in Europe’s top-five leagues this season, with 11 goals shipped from dead-ball situations alone.
Moving forward, Liam Rosenior has already signaled a shift by taking personal responsibility for defensive drills alongside specialist Bernardo Cueva, but it’s about what changes now.
The primary change must be a return to basic aerial assignments; assigning aerially dominant players like Trevoh Chalobah to the opposition’s biggest threats.
Furthermore, improving Robert Sanchez’s positioning is critical, as his failure to command the back post for Jurrien Timber’s winner was unforgivable.
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