Liam Rosenior has warned his Chelsea players that there are not enough games left in the season for them to continue repeating their mistakes.
Robert Sanchez failed to deal with Arsenal’s corner for their second goal last weekend, while Pedro Neto was sent off after picking up two cautions.
Rosenior has now warned his Chelsea team that it has to stop in a very interesting way.
Finish our XI to face Villa!
With it starting to get lighter at the end of afternoons in England and British Summer Time almost here, white footballs are being used again.
For Rosenior, that is a reminder that it is now the final part of the season, meaning that the Blues cannot afford too many more slip ups. And it is a point that he has made very clear to his players.
Speaking ahead of his side’s game against Aston Villa via Chelsea’s official club website, Rosenior said: “It’s funny because this week was the first time we’ve trained with the white balls — and that’s normally a sign we’re into that period of the season.
“When those white balls come out, you can’t make the mistakes we’ve been making because we’re running out of time. That’s the message my staff and I have given the players.”
Alejandro Garnacho of Chelsea during a training session
Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Before their defeat to Arsenal, Chelsea threw away leads against Burnley and Leeds United. Wesley Fofana was sent off in the draw with the former, which was then followed by Neto’s dismissal at the Emirates.
Ultimately, Chelsea are their own worst enemy right now. They have had so many red cards this season that you can name nearly a whole starting XI of Chelsea players to have been sent off.
Ahead of Aston Villa vs Chelsea, we want YOU to rank Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens in order from best to worst
Split image - Jadon Sancho with trophy and Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho in training
Credit: Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Who Chelsea still have to play before end of Premier League campaign
There is no harm in losing to this Arsenal side, who could go on to win the Premier League title. But the reality is Chelsea should have beaten Burnley and Leeds, especially after leading in both games and at home.
Rosenior’s men still have to play Villa, Newcastle United, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. They are all tricky games (well maybe not Spurs), and there is now more pressure going into these fixtures after recent collapses.
As Rosenior said, time is running out for Chelsea in their bid to secure Champions League qualification, so every game is now a crucial one.
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