Key mistakes, critical absences, and a leadership void cost Chelsea in their Carabao Cup semi-final opener against Arsenal.
Dissecting Wednesday's performance
On Wednesday evening, Chelsea were defeated 3-2 at home by London rivals Arsenal in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-finals. Despite the result, it was an encouraging performance in large parts.
If the overall performance was improved, why did Chelsea lose? The answer lies in self-inflicted errors and missing key players.
No one likes to blame individuals, but in this case, it’s hard not to. Every time it seems like Robert Sanchez is improving, he makes mistakes again. It’s really frustrating for everyone.
For the first goal, he appeared to be marking Marc Cucurella, which was certainly a choice, as Ben White headed the ball into an unguarded net. For the second Arsenal goal, he let a cross from White slip under him, allowing completely out-of-form Viktor Gyokeres to score the easiest goal in his career.
Costly Mistakes, and a lackluster midfield
The second reason is not anyone's fault. Chelsea simply had too many absences to cope tonight. The disparity in results when Reece James is playing to when he isn't is truly remarkable. He is such a miss both on and off the ball.
Then, not having the bite of Moises Caidedo in the middle of the park was hard to take. Then, we don't have the likes of Cole Palmer and Liam Delap at the top end of the pitch. Although the team scored two goals regardless, you'd think they could have gotten three with those players back and available.
Leadership was all but absent
Finally, the senior players in the team did not take responsibility. This is a very young and volatile side, so it is important that the more experienced players step up, and they did not. Marc Cucurella and Trevoh Chalobah were both poor again. Enzo Fernandez was better, but not great. A lack of leadership.
All the above things are avoidable. Arsenal is a great side, but it was not one of those games where you have to bow to your opponent's superiority and ask, "What can you do?" No, Chelsea beat themselves more than Arsenal did on this occasion.
The second goal from Alejandro Garnacho means this tie is not over, but it is not looking good. The good thing is the second leg is three weeks away. Hopefully by then, the likes of Palmer and Delap will be fit again. Caicedo will be available after serving his suspension in this game.
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