Chelsea Champions League qualification hopes after Sunderland defeat, Digi Mart USA News: In his latest Sky Sports column, Paul Merson gives his view on Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat to Sunderland, a result that leaves Xabi Alonso’s inconsistent start at Stamford Bridge under scrutiny. Chelsea were poor in the loss to Regis Le Bris’ side, who started the day bottom of the Premier League with just five points and one goal at home scored all season.
Enzo Le Fee’s first-half penalty decided the match. Chelsea remain fifth in the Premier League table, but in-form Everton and Bournemouth are now close behind them.
A defeat to Leeds in their next game would also move Chelsea behind the Whites, and their December schedule is demanding, with Liverpool, Manchester City and Aston Villa all to play the Blues before Christmas.
Merson said he was very disappointed with Chelsea’s performance at Sunderland. He acknowledged that Sunderland were very good and played like the side that was flying last season, but said Chelsea cannot afford one good week and one bad week at a club renowned for winning trophies.
He said the current level of consistency is not enough for top-five football, and that failing to reach the Champions League would be a massive, massive failure.
Merson also questioned Alonso’s approach, suggesting he showed Sunderland too much respect. He said Estevao was Chelsea’s best player in the previous week’s match against Manchester United, especially in the first half, but was left out at Sunderland.
Merson argued Alonso should have picked Estevao, kept the same team that faced Manchester United, and encouraged him to run with the ball rather than playing it tight.
Merson also said Chelsea’s senior players seemed to be waiting for someone else to start producing before they performed. He criticized Levi Colwill, who was beaten repeatedly by Brian Brobbey and came off at half-time.
Merson said Chelsea’s defensive adjustments after half-time, which limited Brobbey’s influence, made a significant difference.
