3 Chelsea stars heavily criticised for Real Madrid displays

Three Chelsea stars have been heavily criticised for their inadequate performances against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg. The Pride of London explain.

You can pretty much put this Blues Premier League season in the bin. The same goes for the domestic cup runs. And it looks as though European conquest is far from likely in 2022/23, as well. Frank Lampard’s team – the third manager of the term – were outplayed and outclassed by Real at Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday evening. It wasn’t even close, to many of us. Few CFC supporters are confident of victory by a two-goal margin or more in the deciding tie at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday, April 18. Who can blame them?! Fans of the west London outfit were very disappointed following the defeat in Spain. As usual, many of the disillusioned supporters took to social media, especially Twitter, to declare their disgust at an all too familiar outcome this campaign.

Although, those of us who have more significant platforms also voiced concern and unsatisfied feelings after further embarrassment. One pundit and ex-professional who gave the English capital club some words of truth, was Chris Sutton. The Sportsmail columnist condemned Kepa Arrizabalaga’s actions that led to Marco Asensio scoring. Sutton claimed the Blues goalkeeper’s efforts were not of UCL standard. The former Blackburn Rovers and Celtic striker – among many other sides – also went so far as to suggest that los Blancos stopper Thibaut Courtois would have stopped the goal in the reverse scenario. Meanwhile the typically critical L’Equipe savaged CFC men, too, with Wesley Fofana and Joao Felix receiving poor appraisals to say the least.

Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga talks instability affecting results – is he reaching to deflect attention on underperforming players?

This is what Kepa thinks is happening:

"‘There have been three changes of coach, there have been changes in the squad during the season and it is costing us’.Daily Mail"

Do you agree with the Spaniard? Or maybe he is not being fully honest, particularly as he was at fault for some problems.