“Pochettino not happy” – Enzo faces Fernandez suspension risk ahead of Chelsea vs Arsenal
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!As the Premier League season unfurls, Chelsea finds themselves perched on the precipice of a crucial period, their fortunes beginning to take an upswing. Three consecutive victories across various competitions, with seven goals netted and a mere one conceded, signal the desired turnaround sought by Mauricio Pochettino for his Chelsea squad.
In hindsight, the month leading up to the Carabao Cup clash with an in-form Brighton was notably challenging for the Blues. Winless in three matches, including two losses, they had failed to find the back of the net throughout September. However, a determined display during that cup fixture at Stamford Bridge led to a surprising victory, setting in motion the change Pochettino had envisioned.
Following this, Chelsea managed back-to-back triumphs against Fulham and Burnley in the Premier League, showcasing a revitalized attacking prowess that had been elusive earlier. Yet, the real litmus test awaits them post the international break, as they face last season’s Premier League runners-up and potential title contenders, Arsenal, in a much-anticipated London derby.
However, amid this anticipation lies a cause for caution. Enzo Fernandez, a pivotal figure in the Chelsea midfield, finds himself treading a fine line with three yellow cards already this season. Just two more cautions could see him benched for a crucial fixture, setting the stage for a disciplinary tightrope walk during the demanding Premier League matchups against Brentford, Tottenham, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Brighton, and Manchester United.
Fernandez’s contributions on the field have not gone unnoticed. Signed from Benfica for a hefty sum exceeding £100 million in the January transfer window, the Argentine international brings a blend of ball-playing finesse and a willingness to engage in physical battles. His enthusiasm to participate, especially in tackles, has endeared him to fans and management alike. However, this very attribute has also made him susceptible to bookings, a concern that’s been acknowledged by Pochettino.
In a recent interview, Pochettino highlighted discussions with Fernandez and Nicolas Jackson concerning their disciplinary issues, emphasizing the need for caution and strategic conduct on the field. Jackson, who faced a similar disciplinary predicament, has already served his one-match suspension and made a notable return, bolstering Chelsea’s attacking arsenal.
As Pochettino aptly expressed, building a cohesive team takes time, especially with a relatively young squad. The upcoming string of challenging fixtures presents an opportunity for Chelsea to showcase their mettle and solidify their standing in the league. Keeping Fernandez free of bookings in the upcoming crucial matches is vital, given his burgeoning significance to the team and the impetus he provides from the midfield.
In this precarious juncture of the season, Chelsea remains hopeful that with the right blend of discipline, strategy, and determination, they will navigate these fixtures successfully, firmly establishing their position among the league’s elite.
