Chelsea’s recent 3-1 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium has drawn sharp criticism, with Gary Neville shifting the spotlight onto two of the club’s most expensive midfielders. While much of the post-match discussion centered around goalkeeper Robert Sánchez’s mistakes, Neville believes the real issue lies in the underwhelming performances of Chelsea’s high-profile midfield signings.
Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast, the former Manchester United defender expressed frustration over Moisés Caicedo and Enzo Fernández’s inability to take control of the game when it mattered most. He emphasized that these players, given their hefty price tags and reputations, should have stepped up and dictated play.
“Everyone is talking about Sánchez, but they’re ignoring what these two midfielders did—or rather, failed to do—on the pitch,” Neville said. “They were supposed to be the ones taking charge, but instead, they went missing when Chelsea needed them the most. That lack of leadership and presence could seriously harm Chelsea’s chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League.”
A Bright Start That Fizzled Out
Chelsea initially showed promise in the match, taking the lead just three minutes in through Noni Madueke. The Blues had an opportunity to double their advantage, but a poorly executed pass from Cole Palmer denied Nicolas Jackson a clear goal-scoring chance. This missed opportunity allowed Manchester City to regain momentum, and just before halftime, Josko Gvardiol found the equalizer, shifting the game’s balance in City’s favor.
Despite a competitive first half, Chelsea’s performance dramatically declined after the break. The statistics were damning—Chelsea managed only one shot on target in the second half and registered a shockingly low expected goals (xG) of 0.18, a sharp drop from their first-half xG of 1.62. These numbers reflected a team that struggled to maintain control, particularly in midfield.
Neville’s Harsh Assessment
Neville, who has always been vocal about underperforming players, did not hold back in his criticism of Chelsea’s marquee midfielders. “I expected Chelsea to come out strong in the second half, especially after conceding that equalizer. I thought Enzo Maresca would fire them up at halftime, but I saw no response,” he stated.
“The two midfielders—Caicedo and Fernández—are the ones who cost Chelsea the big money. These are players with massive reputations and significant expectations. Fantastic players grab a game by the scruff of the neck—but they didn’t do that. Even with Palmer playing alongside them, they failed to impose themselves.”
Neville’s comments highlight a growing concern at Chelsea: despite heavy investment in the squad, the team still struggles in crucial moments against elite opposition. Both Caicedo and Fernández were signed to bring stability and dominance to Chelsea’s midfield, yet in this match, they failed to dictate the tempo or provide the control needed against City’s aggressive pressing.
A Major Setback for Chelsea’s Season
Chelsea’s failure to maintain their early lead could have serious implications for their Champions League hopes. Currently sitting in sixth place, the Blues are in danger of missing out on a top-four finish. Given the competition for European spots, performances like these—where key players go missing in big games—could prove costly.
Neville concluded his analysis by reinforcing the missed opportunity Chelsea had against City. “It could cost them the Champions League next season. They needed to send a strong message, and they failed. If I were a Chelsea fan, I would be incredibly frustrated. Even as a neutral, I find it disappointing to watch.”
The question now is whether Chelsea’s big-money signings will step up in the final stretch of the season or if their inconsistency will cost them a return to Europe’s elite competition. As the club continues its rebuild under Maresca, performances like this will only add pressure on both the manager and his highly valued squad to deliver better results.
