Caicedo saved him: Chelsea must drop 4/10 star who lost 100% duels

Caicedo Shines as Chelsea Salvage a Point at Old Trafford

Chelsea managed to walk away with a hard-fought draw against Manchester United at Old Trafford, concluding a challenging week with a point. While some fans may have hoped for a more dominant performance over a struggling United, Chelsea’s display was far from uninspired. Despite moments of frustration, it’s evident that Enzo Maresca’s squad is finding its stride in the Premier League.

Penalty Drama and Caicedo’s Heroics

The match took a dramatic turn in the 70th minute when Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez brought down Rasmus Hojlund in the box, allowing Bruno Fernandes to score from the penalty spot. United seemed poised to secure a victory, but Chelsea quickly found the energy to fight back. The Blues’ response was sparked by Moises Caicedo, who has been a standout performer since joining from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Caicedo, Chelsea’s record £115 million signing, showcased the tenacity and skill that earned him his place in the team. His thunderous volley brought Chelsea level shortly after Fernandes’ goal, giving the visitors a renewed sense of confidence. His ability to dictate play from midfield and break down United’s attacks earned him well-deserved praise, with one commentator calling him “the best player on the pitch.”

Gusto’s Struggles Highlight Chelsea’s Defensive Issues

While Caicedo thrived, Chelsea’s right-back Malo Gusto had a night to forget. The young Frenchman, who has been a dependable performer this season, struggled against United, especially in his passing and defensive duties. Subbed off at halftime, Gusto’s performance drew criticism from football analysts, with one rating him a disappointing 4/10. His inability to win any of his duels and his overall inconsistency marked a low point in an otherwise promising season for him.

The decision to start Gusto over the returning Reece James—who has been recovering from an injury—proved to be a tactical misstep. At halftime, Maresca moved James to his preferred right-back position, allowing him more freedom to advance, while Marc Cucurella took over on the left. The tactical shift improved Chelsea’s flow, as James made a notable impact, suggesting he might be ready for a full return to the starting lineup.

Chelsea’s Next Steps: A Tactical Adjustment?

Maresca’s vision for Chelsea includes a style inspired by Pep Guardiola, with an emphasis on fluid positioning and overloads on the flanks. However, Gusto’s struggles and James’ return raise questions about whether it’s time to prioritize a more traditional defensive setup. With Chelsea set to face Arsenal next week, Maresca may consider starting Cucurella on the left and allowing James to operate on the right, where his skill and experience could be fully utilized.

Gusto, a talented young defender, has had a solid season thus far and has stepped up admirably in James’ absence. However, the recent match highlighted the limitations of playing players outside their natural positions. As Chelsea continue to aim higher in the Premier League, ensuring each player is utilized to their strengths could be the key to unlocking the squad’s full potential.

While Chelsea may not have secured the win against United, Caicedo’s brilliance and a solid team response in the face of adversity provide plenty of reasons for optimism. With tactical tweaks and a strong squad, Chelsea will look to turn draws like this into victories as the season progresses.