Photo by Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images
Photo by Patrick Khachfe/Getty Images
The frustration was written across Xabi Alonso’s face as Chelsea failed to secure a win against Hull City. Chelsea’s defence has come under scrutiny, but Carlton Cole has criticised Morgan Rogers.
Rogers took his tally to three Premier League goals against Hull, opening the scoring with a brilliant left-footed effort. It was the first goal conceded by Hull this season, in what was their fourth league game.
Chelsea clearly overpaid, but will it matter if he has a Palmer-like debut season? That being said, I hope it’s Mudryk 2.0 for the sole reason that Arsenal didn’t get him
A bargain? In no sense of the word, no. Might be decent but for that price he needs to have a Palmer 23/24 season every year to be considered worth it and that will be very hard to do
The club-record signing has now taken his tally to a whopping seven goals and assists in six games, after laying on three assists in the 6-3 win over Leeds United. Going forward, Rogers’ numbers are excellent.
Indeed, on Saturday, Rogers became the first Chelsea player to have a hand in four goals or assists in the first four Premier League games of the season since Eden Hazard in 2018-19. Good company for Rogers.
READ MORE: Chelsea told they have their own Declan Rice, but he’s only played once this season
Carlton Cole hammers Morgan Rogers after watching Hull draw
But there were occasions where Rogers was trying to do too much and lost possession. Hull almost scored after Rogers lost the ball in his own half, during the second 45. Emi Martinez made a super save.
Carlton Cole speaks with Sky Sports
Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images
Speaking on The Dressing Room podcast, former Chelsea striker Carlton Cole criticised Rogers for constantly losing the ball. He believes his performance against The Tigers was not like Rogers’ normal self.
“Morgan Rogers. I see him dribbling one time; he’d already scored his goal. I see him dribbling into no man’s land. He lost the ball so many times. I was like, ‘Morgan, this is not like you’. What is going on?
Rogers and Chelsea’s attackers are not the players to blame
Joao Pedro, Cole Palmer and Rogers have been on fire. Do they lose the ball here and there? Absolutely. But even aside from their attacking numbers, the trio have run more than any of their Blues teammates.
Morgan Rogers of Chelsea looks on
Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images
If they do lose the ball, it is on the remaining seven outfield players to help them out. Palmer, Rogers and Pedro can only do so much and now, it is on the rest of the Chelsea team to help the attacking trio out.
If Rogers loses the ball, or if Palmer or Pedro give it away, the rest of the Chelsea side need to be tasked with winning it back. Ultimately, if Chelsea can give the attacking trio the platform, they will win games.