One of Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea players has received a warning from the manager, who insists the player ‘has to improve’ to stay in the starting lineup at Stamford Bridge.
On Saturday, Chelsea blew a two-goal lead against title contenders Arsenal, drawing 2-2, as goals from Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard in the second half gave the Gunners a valuable point in west London.
Given that West Ham was defeated at Aston Villa on Sunday, a victory would have brought the struggling Blues within six points of the top four and allowed them to move up to eighth in the standings.
Mykhailo Mudryk did score Chelsea’s second goal, but he was replaced by Nicolas Jackson midway through the second half, and Pochettino emphasized after the game that his effect in attack “needs to improve.”
Since his £88 million move to west London, Mudryk has struggled to light up Stamford Bridge, but Pochettino is certain the Ukrainian can deliver more for his team.
During the post-game press conference, Pochettino was asked if Mudryk was substituted because he was “running out of gas.” Pochettino said simply.
The Argentine responded, “No.” I thought he played good, but he still needs to get better. He’s still not at his best in my opinion.
With Jackson in front, I believe we needed to make a change to apply a little bit more pressure.
We had a couple opportunities in such situation, and the score was closer to 3-0 than 2-1.
He continued by acknowledging that Chelsea’s draw actually felt more like two points lost than a point earned.
The Argentine told the BBC, “I think we lost two points.” We’re unhappy, but you can’t change the game’s analysis and evaluation.
“Last season, we played very competitively against a very good team that was vying for the Premier League.”
We’re a young squad, and I think the way we competed is something to be proud of, but we’re unhappy because I think we were stronger after 77 minutes, when we let up the first goal.
We were playing well and controlling the game, and the situation was under control. However, there is a danger when you admit it. Yes, we are disappointed, but we must also see the bright side.