Trevoh Chalobah has delivered a brutal honest verdict after Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, insisting the Blues have only themselves to blame after being “undone from two set plays” .
The Gunners edged the London derby at the Emirates thanks to headers from William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, either side of a Piero Hincapie own goal that briefly levelled things up .
Here’s the painful bit, Chelsea KNEW what was coming. They’d worked on it all week. And they still couldn’t stop it.
CHALOBAH’S VERDICT
“We have to look at ourselves because we’ve been undone from two set plays,” the Academy graduate admitted afterwards.
“We work a lot on set pieces, both defensively and offensively, and we know how strong Arsenal are at them. These are the little details and we need to improve on them.”
He’s not wrong. Arsenal have been the most dangerous set piece team in the country for two seasons now. Everyone knows it. Everyone prepares for it. And still they keep scoring.
Then came the bit that’ll sting in the dressing room.
“We have to know our roles both collectively and individually, and we all need to step up. We’ve conceded too many goals from set pieces, that’s why we are where we are in the table.”
No excuses. No hiding. Just cold, hard truth.
THE NETO BLOW
As if losing to Arsenal wasn’t bad enough, Chelsea played the entire second half with ten men after Pedro Neto picked up TWO yellow cards . The second was harsh but once you’re on a booking, you can’t go flying into tackles.
Despite being a man down, the Blues still nearly snatched a point. David Raya pulled off a string of stunning saves to deny them . On another day, they get something.
But they didn’t. And that’s the point.
WHAT COMES NEXT
Chelsea don’t have time to feel sorry for themselves. Wednesday night they’re at Villa Park in a massive Champions League six pointer .
“It’s time for everyone to keep positive, turn the performances into the three points and push up the table,” Chalobah said.
“We have to look at ourselves and really step up now, because we’re heading into a crucial part of the season.”
The fixtures don’t get any easier. Villa away. Then the small matter of a Champions League last 16 tie. And a squad that’s been patchy all season.
But Chalobah’s message is clear: stop talking, start doing. Step up or step aside.
