Gary Neville has admitted he was stunned by Chelsea’s tactics in added time against Arsenal on Tuesday evening.
The Blues crashed out of the Carabao Cup after a 1-0 defeat saw them lose the semi final 4-2 on aggregate over two legs.
Chelsea trailed 3-2 from the first leg, but were unable to create any meaningful chances in north London, and Kai Havertz scored the winner with the last kick of the game.
Gary Neville stunned by Chelsea tactics in added time
Liam Rosenior opted to field a back five, which came as a surprise to many, with Cole Palmer and Estevao on the bench.
Reece James was left out of the squad completely, whilst Liam Delap was surprisingly deployed on the right wing.
Chelsea defended well, but offered very little going forward, even with the introduction of Palmer and Estevao, and it felt like the Blues never truly went for the game.
Pundits were surprised by Chelsea’s approach, and Neville admitted he was stunned the Blues weren’t pushing for a goal in added time.
“They’re still recycling the ball, it’s absolutely crazy, they can’t work a position to get the ball into the box,” he said on commentary for Sky Sports.
The only time Chelsea properly tested Kepa Arrizabalaga was an Enzo Fernandez strike in the first half, otherwise it was a quiet evening for the Spaniard.
Chelsea sweating on fitness on Reece James and Pedro Neto
The Blues were without James and Pedro Neto for the game at The Emirates, and it was reported both failed a late fitness test.
The absence of the duo certainly harmed Chelsea’s chances, and it will be interesting to see if they return against Wolves.
The Blues are looking to make it four league wins in a row, as they head to the bottom club on Saturday as they continue their pursuit of Champions League football.
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