Ian Wright issues damming verdict on Chelsea’s Champions League hopes after Arsenal defeat
Ian Wright finds it hard to see how Chelsea will remain in the Premier League top four come the end of the season after their latest defeat to Arsenal.
Mikel Merino’s first-half header was the difference เล่นบาคาร่า UFABET เว็บตรง ค่าคอมสูง at the Emirates on Sunday as Enzo Maresca’s side slid to their third defeat in their last five league games.
Missing key attacking players like Cole Palmer, Chelsea produce a flat attacking display and manage just three shots on goal in the entire 90 minutes.
Despite the defeat, the Blues remain in the top four but Wright is fearful that their lack of quality in both boxes means that clubs in the chasing pack will overtake them before the end of the season.
‘I watche Chelsea against Arsenal and I thought they were really poor in every aspect,’ the former Arsenal striker said on the Kelly and Wrighty show.
‘Obviously, they’re very much missing Noni Maduke and Nicolas Jackson and obviously, Cole Palmer didn’t play.
‘They haven’t got anyone to stretch the team or anyone to control the game so as you can pass to these players who were doing so well at the start of the season.
‘They didn’t look like they were going to score yesterday and there’s no way you can be confident as a defender playing in front of Robert Sanchez.’
Wright continue: ‘There’s no way sitting here right now I can see a scenario as to how they are going to do it [get in the top four].
‘For me, if I’m Newcastle or Bournemouth or Brighton or anybody, I’m thinking this is the best chance we’ll have because I don’t think Chelsea will make it.’
Analysing Chelsea’s struggles further, Wright suggeste that Sanchez’s inconsistencies between the sticks were hampering Chelsea’s efforts.
The Spaniard returne to the starting XI on Sunday having briefly lost his spot in the team, but turne in another questionable display and was almost caught out on several occasions.