One lapse in concentration, according to Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior, cost the Blues all three points against Newcastle United on Saturday, and Jamie Redknapp thinks Wesley Fofana is to blame.
A disappointing week resulted in Chelsea losing to Newcastle at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. A fifth defeat in 17 games for Rosenior, having lost three times to Arsenal and then PSG on Wednesday.
It is the first time that Rosenior has lost two games in a row since replacing Enzo Maresca, picking up just one win in his last five Premier League games after draws to Leeds and Burnley, and losing at Arsenal.
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This week, there was optimism after beating Aston Villa and Wrexham. But defeats to PSG and Newcastle have seen Chelsea’s hopes of progressing in and qualifying for the Champions League in doubt.
In terms of matters on the pitch and why Chelsea lost, Rosenior blamed his side for getting the press wrong as Tino Livramento waltzed through the middle of the pitch. But Redknapp has hammered Fofana.
Chelsea star Wesley Fofana blasted by Jamie Redknapp
After Livramento had played Joe Willock in on goal, Reece James did all he could to catch the Newcastle midfielder. But Willock was on hand to square the ball to Anthony Gordon, who had left Fofana for dead.
Replays showed Fofana failing to sprint and even having a head start on Gordon. Yet, he allowed Gordon to pass him and get to the ball first. He then threw his hands in the air, aiming criticism at teammates.
Anthony Gordon of Newcastle United shoots past Wesley Fofana of Chelsea
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On Sky Sports, Redknapp noticed Fofana’s lack of defensive desire and willingness to blame everyone else apart from himself. He analysed Fofana’s role: “Just see that there [pointing to a replay of the goal].
“Look, he’s got a head start and yet, [Gordon] catches up three yards on him. You can talk all you like about how the press was wrong, no. That, my friend, is wrong. Sprint,” Redknapp continued on the goal.
“He doesn’t, because he doesn’t believe he’s going to pass it to him. Then he has the audacity to put his arms out, I don’t know what he’s complaining about. If you run, you stop the goal,” he summarised.
Daniel Sturridge in damning Wesley Fofana verdict
It’s not the first time that Fofana has been criticised during Rosenior’s era as manager. The French star, a £77m signing from Leicester City, has been scrutinised for his red card against Burnley and other things.
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Little surprise that Chelsea are intent on signing a centre-back in the summer and tried to bring in Jeremy Jacquet to Stamford Bridge in the summer. Daniel Sturridge was damning in his verdict of Fofana.
Alongside Redknapp, Sturridge said Fofana didn’t want to run: “That’s it for me there. Anthony Gordon wants to score. Fofana isn’t prepared to do the same run on the defensive side of things.”
Ahead of Tuesday night’s home clash against PSG, Rosenior will know Chelsea only have a chance of a comeback against PSG if they don’t concede. Whether Fofana retains his place, remains to be seen.
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