Martin Keown has suggested that one player had one of his best games for Chelsea during their FA Cup quarter-final tie with Leicester City on Sunday.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men booked their ticket to Wembley. But the Blues made much harder work of the tie than they would have expected after taking a 2-0 lead in the first-half.
It seemed to be a nightmare afternoon for the likes of Axel Disasi and Raheem Sterling. And Pochettino will be breathing a huge sigh of relief as he continues to fight to prove himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful – particularly after angering the fans with the substitution of Mykhailo Mudryk during the second-half.
Martin Keown praises Mykhailo Mudryk as Chelsea win
Of course, Mudryk has had such a tough time since joining Chelsea. But he provided a reminder of his potential against the Championship leaders.
The Ukrainian completed more dribbles than any other player on the pitch, according to Whoscored. And Pochettino’s decision to replace the 23-year-old led to some Chelsea fans booing, as extra-time seemingly loomed.
Certainly, speaking on BBC One, Martin Keown felt that Mudryk was unlucky to be taken off before the end.
“Mudryk have done very well, it’s one of the best performances he has given in a Chelsea shirt. This club needs real leadership. The faithful here realise Mudryk has had a difficult time, but he’s been brilliant today,” he said.
Jury still out on Mauricio Pochettino
Fortunately for Pochettino, there was to be a late twist. Carney Chukwuemeka – who replaced Mudryk – and Noni Madueke would both score in stoppage-time at the end of the second-half.
Once again, Chelsea have won a game without looking convincing. And there look to be even more questions over Pochettino’s future with the club.
Admittedly, this Chelsea side contains so many younger players, some way short of their peaks. So it was always going to take more time than the money spent would suggest.
But it is alarming how often Pochettino is relying on moments of individual quality.
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