Michael Owen Criticizes Chelsea’s Defending in Loss to Man City

Chelsea’s struggles in the Premier League deepened after a 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, a result that has left them sitting sixth in the table. Despite taking an early lead through Noni Madueke, the Blues failed to capitalize on their momentum. Goals from Josko Gvardiol, Erling Haaland, and Phil Foden secured the win for Pep Guardiola’s side, exposing flaws in Chelsea’s defense and tactical setup.

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Owen Questions Chalobah’s Decision-Making

Former England striker Michael Owen took aim at Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah for his role in Haaland’s goal that put City ahead 2-1. In a one-on-one situation with the prolific striker, Chalobah was outmuscled, allowing Haaland to execute a brilliant chip over goalkeeper Robert Sanchez.

Owen, speaking on the Premier League’s official platform, labeled Chalobah’s defending as “naive.”

“If you’re Liverpool with Van Dijk or Arsenal with Saliba, maybe you can afford to go one-on-one. But for most defenders, it’s asking for trouble. You’re giving Haaland exactly what he wants. He thrives in those situations. You have to play to his weaknesses, not his strengths,” Owen explained.

While Chalobah was directly involved, Owen suggested the team’s overall defensive strategy, which emphasized man-to-man marking, was equally to blame. Head coach Enzo Maresca’s tactical approach came under scrutiny, with many pointing to his inexperience when compared to Guardiola.

Chelsea’s Defensive Woes Continue

The loss to Man City highlights a growing concern for Chelsea—defensive instability. They’ve now gone six consecutive league games without a clean sheet, a statistic that underscores why results have been slipping. Even usually reliable players like Levi Colwill received criticism for their performances, signaling deeper cracks in the backline.

Additionally, goalkeeper Robert Sanchez remains a point of contention. His string of costly mistakes has frustrated fans and led to calls for changes between the posts. Filip Jorgensen or Tosin Adarabioyo might be considered as alternatives, especially with Chelsea’s next match against West Ham approaching.

A Long Road Ahead for Maresca

While Chelsea’s attacking moments show promise, their defensive frailties are undermining the team’s progress. With just one win in their last seven league matches, Maresca has significant work to do to restore the team’s confidence and cohesion. Whether through tactical adjustments, lineup changes, or new signings, addressing the backline’s shortcomings is crucial if Chelsea hopes to reclaim their place among the league’s elite.

Their next game at Stamford Bridge could be pivotal, as fans look for signs of improvement and stability in what has been an inconsistent campaign.