Neville identifies three major problems for Chelsea after Arsenal draw

22 October 2023 , 18:13

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Neville identifies three major problems for Chelsea after Arsenal draw

Gary Neville has pinpointed three separate issues Mauricio Pochettino must solve after Chelsea let a two-goal lead slip to draw 2-2 against Arsenal on Saturday.

The Blues took the lead in the first half at Stamford Bridge as Cole Palmer slotted home from the penalty spot, before Mykhaylo Mudryk doubled their advantage just after half-time. However, Arsenal staged a late comeback, netting two quick-fire goals with Declan Rice and Leandro Trossard scoring for Mikel Arteta's men.

After the match, Neville outlined a number of problems Chelsea have to sort out, after Robert Sanchez was at fault for Rice's strike and the Blues did not start with a recognised striker on the pitch. The ex-Manchester United defender also highlighted the importance of 39-year-old Thiago Silva.

"Chelsea have shown a blueprint of what the future could look like," Neville told Sky Sports. "They've still got a problem up front, they haven't got a striker, and I still think they've got a problem with Thiago Silva’s age. He's so important for them, but he is 39. And then the goalkeeper… Can he step up to be a good goalkeeper?'

Neville did, however, praised Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella for their performances after the duo kept Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli relatively quiet throughout the match. Pochettino started the duo together for the first time this season, with Ben Chilwell and Reece James still out.

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He added: "You can see that midfield, and in wide areas, they are bright. The full-backs, Marc Cucurella and Malo Gusto, did well today. And they are the second-choice full-backs, by the way."

Malo Gusto impressed for Chelsea against Arsenal (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Pochettino was pleased with the "character and personality" his Chelsea side showed, though he did reveal that the players were "upset" after throwing away a two-goal cushion. "Of course we are disappointed at the end, but we can’t only look at the last few minutes," Pochettino said.

"There were many positive things. We were the better team. We lost two points in a way you never want to lose them, but after playing a team that was fighting for the Premier League last season we can take many positives and be proud.

"We showed great character and personality. We were competitive, we deserved more, and we need to keep believing because good things will arrive. I like the way the players are feeling now. They are really upset. I want to see that. But we need to keep working. We are in a good way."

Kieran King