Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender and well-known football pundit, did not hold back in his criticism of Chelsea players Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella following the team’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
The result marked a frustrating start to 2025 for Enzo Maresca’s side, who dropped valuable points in the Premier League, leaving fans and analysts questioning certain aspects of their performance.
Carragher highlighted significant concerns about Chelsea’s defensive organization and overall game management.
Reflecting on the match, he remarked:
“Gusto and Cucurella are still weak links in the team.
The coach needs to address this. Chelsea struggles with game management at critical moments.
They need to understand when to slow the tempo, have players drop deeper, and ensure someone stays close to Moises Caicedo at the base of midfield, instead of always pushing forward recklessly.”
The criticism comes after Chelsea had taken the lead in the first half through a well-executed play involving Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho.
Palmer scored following an impressive assist from Sancho, giving the Blues an early advantage.
However, Chelsea failed to maintain control and allowed Crystal Palace to equalize late in the second half.
Jean-Philippe Mateta capitalized on poor defensive positioning to secure a point for the hosts.
The draw keeps Chelsea in fourth place in the Premier League standings.
However, their position is far from secure, with Newcastle United just one point behind and Manchester City only two points adrift.
This added pressure highlights the need for Maresca to address the team’s vulnerabilities and tighten up their defensive approach as the season progresses.
Looking ahead, both Chelsea and Crystal Palace will shift their focus to the FA Cup third round.
Chelsea is set to host Morecambe at Stamford Bridge on January 11, while Crystal Palace will face Stockport County at home the following day.
In the league, Chelsea will play their next match against Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge on January 14, while Crystal Palace travels to Leicester City on January 15.
As the competition for top-four spots intensifies, Chelsea must improve their game management and defensive stability to secure their objectives for the season.
With high stakes and rising expectations, Maresca and his squad face a critical period to turn promising moments into consistent results.
