“He didn’t need to do it” – BBC pundit criticises 23-year-old Chelsea player in the Newcastle defeat
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Chris Waddle didn’t hold back in criticizing Chelsea’s Reece James after the right-back’s red card in the 4-1 defeat against Newcastle United. The heavy loss dashed any optimism that existed around Stamford Bridge before the international break.
Despite Raheem Sterling’s free-kick equalizer at halftime, Chelsea’s second-half performance saw them concede quick-fire goals from Jamaal Lasscelles and Joelinton, followed by Anthony Gordon’s late strike. The defeat highlighted the team’s inconsistency, raising questions about their form this season.
Reece James, the 23-year-old Blues captain, received strong criticism from BBC pundit Chris Waddle for his red card. Waddle described James’s challenge on Gordon as a “silly challenge” that led to his second yellow card.
Despite Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino previously praising James as one of the world’s best players, the red card likely puts a damper on that assessment. The lack of discipline adds to the challenges faced by Chelsea in finding consistency this season.
The defeat against Newcastle serves as a reality check for Chelsea, and upcoming matches against Brighton, Manchester United, and Everton present further challenges. The team’s mid-table position reflects the difficulties they’ve encountered in maintaining a positive trajectory this season.
