Whilst Chelsea have progressed through to the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League, the Blues lost 2-1 to Legia Warsaw at home, in a game that will have many fans worried about the fate of the team at the back end of this season.
Enzo Maresca’s men held 70% of the ball, generated 2.00 xG, created five “big chances” and took 16 shots in the match. But Legia, with just 30% of the ball, managed to fashion 13 shots of their own, creating four “big chances” and generating 2.22 xG.
There were no real good performances from the Blues, if anyone it would have been Chelsea’s youngster Tyrique George, who came from the bench. One of the worst performers was their star man, Cole Palmer, who is struggling for form and confidence at the moment.
Cole Palmer's woes continue
Palmer’s last goal came against Bournemouth back in January, with the 22-year-old looking cold in front of goal recently – and no, not his type of cold. The Chelsea star looks off the pace in attacking areas, taking too long to make decisions and becoming visibly frustrated.
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He managed two shots against Legia Warsaw, both of which could have resulted in goals, given his red-hot finishing last season and what many fans have come to expect. However, one shot was easily saved and the other missed the target.
Palmer also lost possession six times in his 58 minutes played, only managed 31 touches in the game and only won two of his five ground duels.
But Chelsea fans will be much more worried about another forward who started the game, whose time may just have run out.
Chelsea's 3/10 dud is now out of time
Christopher Nkunku has struggled all season for the Blues, often being used out of position, having to fill in as a striker or off the left, whilst Palmer starts in attacking midfield. And it was yet another poor display from the Frenchman, earning him a 3/10 match rating from GOAL.
Minutes
90
Touches
51
Accurate Passes
38/40
Key Passes
2
Shots
1
Ground Duels Won
4/6
Aerial Duels Won
0/2
Possession Lost
6
Tackles
2
The 27-year-old only managed one shot in the entire game, which was on target, but was also easily saved. He also lost possession six times, lost both of his aerial duels but did win four of his six ground duels and made two key passes.
Whilst Nkunku has had many more stand-out poor performances than this one, it’s more what this one represented. 3-0 up playing against Legia Warsaw at Stamford Bridge, space to attack in behind and chances to make things happen, but still looking off the pace and disinterested.
It seems like it could be the end of the road for Nkunku at Chelsea, with fans losing their patience with the Frenchman and clubs already registering interest in the forward ahead of the summer window.
It could be the best time for the Blues to cash in and cut their losses.
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