Chelsea legend Frank Leboeuf was not impressed with Marc Cucurella’s decision-making in the Blues’ 2-0 defeat to Brentford yesterday.
Marc Cucurella had the chance to set up Noni Madueke in the first half but took the shot instead, something Frank Leboeuf criticised him for on ESPN FC.
The left-back was in a great shooting position in fairness, but with the ball at his right foot, you can argue passing it would have been the better option.
Chelsea would later come to regret that and their other misses, with Ethan Pinnock and Bryan Mbeumo going on to score and give the visitors all three points.
Frank Leboeuf criticises Marc Cucurella’s decision-making
For Leboeuf, if Cucurella was not confident on his right foot, he had to pass the ball to Madueke.
Speaking about the wasted opportunity on ESPN FC, the former Chelsea defender said: “[The] Cucurella chance is crazy, how he didn’t even give the ball to Madueke to score if he’s not able to score a goal with his right foot.”
Marc Cucurella not solely to blame for Chelsea’s loss against Brentford
In the end, of course, Cucurella’s miss proved costly. However, it would be harsh to single out the 25-year-old.
The Spaniard is a left-back. Chelsea should not be relying on him to be winning them games. Really, attackers like Raheem Sterling need to be taking responsibility.
They just did not do enough on the day, especially in the second half. The team as a whole were made to pay for it and you would now hope that they learn from it.
However, you cannot see it happening, as that has been the theme of Chelsea’s season, or at least at home, attackers not being efficient enough.
As well as against Brentford, the Blues have also blanked versus Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge.
To be fair to Sterling, he has definitely been one of Chelsea’s better performers this term and has actually really impressed in some games. The England international has scored three goals in 10 Premier League appearances.
But Pochettino really needs his productivity and the rest of the team’s to go up.