“Could have been the solution” – Gary Cahill questions role of Chelsea defender in Mikel Merino’s goal | OneFootball

Former Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has questioned the role of one player when analysing the performance against Arsenal.

Chelsea fell to a 1-0 defeat at the Emirates on Sunday, with the Blues turning in another uninspiring performance, whilst Enzo Maresca apologised to the fans at full time.

Mikel Merino scored the only goal of the game, and Chelsea could only manage eight touches in the Arsenal box which simply isn’t good enough.

Cahill questions Chelsea defending

The game lacked quality throughout, and the Blues are now winless in their last seven away games and haven’t beaten Arsenal since 2021.

Chelsea’s task was made more difficult with Cole Palmer missing the game, and Maresca confirmed he’s set to undergo a scan on Monday.

There was frustration from the away fans at Maresca for not at least attempting to switch things up, which was summed up when he made a like for like double substitution with five minutes to go as he replaced Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana with Tosin Adarabioyo and Malo Gusto.

Chelsea’s marking on Merino was questionable. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

The only goal of the game came from a corner with Merino unmarked at the near post as he flicked his header in from a difficult angle.

Chelsea’s defending left a lot to be desired with both Reece James and Christopher Nkunku allowing Merino to have a free run.

However, Cahill also feels Levi Colwill could have done better and questioned if he should have been covering the back post.

“We didn’t mention at half-time, Chelsea never had anybody on the post,” he told Sky Sports.

“Maybe if they had someone on the back post, that could have been the solution. We looked at Levi didn’t we, obviously he got attracted to the striker which you would do.

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“I don’t know what the setup was but if you look at Levi here, he maybe could have dropped onto the back post, but he has to mark the player. Ultimately, it’s about the first contact, the first contact is key.”

The defeat sees Chelsea remain fourth, but Newcastle have a game in hand, which if they win will see them replace the Blues in the top four.