Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

‘The problem is’ – pundits rip into Chelsea star for double blunder that will pain Tuchel

Edouard Mendy beaten by Arthur Masuaku goal during West Ham v Chelsea in Premier League

Rio Ferdinand and Glenn Hoddle both took dim views on a rare double mistake from Edouard Mendy that cost Chelsea two goals in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at West Ham.

The Senegal goalkeeper has been a pillar of consistency since joining the Blues in a £22m deal from Rennes in September 2020. Indeed, Mendy kept 16 clean sheets in the Premier League last term and has already blanked the opposition seven times from 14 outings so far this going into Saturday’s game.

And so good has the keeper been, that talk was rife on Saturday morning that Mendy is poised to land a new deal.

You can see our Player Ratings from the London Stadium here, with a Hammers man coming out on top.

Chelsea started well and took the lead through Thiago Silva. However, West Ham were soon level when Mendy gifted the hosts  an equaliser by carelessly bringing down Jarrod Bowen.

Asssessing the blunder at half-time, Ferdinand told BT Sport he was not impressed with Mendy, who earlier this week was the subject of an unfortunate mix-up.

“The blame lies entirely with the goalkeeper,” Ferdinand said. “He has the opportunity to clear this. Jorginho gives him the pass. Yes, it’s a short one, but Mendy gets there.

Ferdinand left unimpressed

“He just needs to clear it. He gets another chance to clear it and takes another touch, and then it’s panic stations and he gives away a penalty.

“Just clear it! Instead of taking that touch, stick it out and give a throw-in away.

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“The problem is, he’s been caught wanting to play perfect football. In them situations, it’s not about that.”

Gianfranco Zola added: “I think when you pass to the goalkeeper, you normally pass it outside the goal. There was the first mistake from Jorgo [Jorginho]. But the goalkeeper should have done better.”

Worse to come for Mendy

The Blues reclaimed the lead through a fantastic Mason Mount volley and went in 2-1 ahead at half-time.

However, Bowen hauled them level again with a great win on 56 minutes.

And with the game finely poised, it was the Hammers who snatched the winner, Arthur Masuaku catching Mendy off guard with a freakish cross-shot that flew in from 25 yards.

“My word, he’s going to have to take a long look at himself there,” said Hoddle on co-commentary. “He’s taken a step inside and been beaten on his near post. Deary me!”

That goal ensures West Ham can add the scalp of Chelsea to Liverpool for title-chasing sides they have beaten at home this season.

The defeat – just Chelsea’s second of the season – puts their place at the top of the table in doubt. Indeed, the costly loss could see them overtaken by both Liverpool and Chelsea, who are in action later on Saturday.

And for Thomas Tuchel – a coach who prides himself on clean sheets – Saturday’s loss will leave him with plenty to think about.

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