Arno Michels has claimed that Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku was “unlucky” during today’s dramatic FA Cup win against Plymouth Argyle.
Chelsea progressed to the fifth round of the FA Cup by beating League One side Plymouth 2-1 at Stamford Bridge. However, they needed extra time to eventually clinch a victory on Saturday to avoid an upset.
Macaulay Gillesphey’s header early into the first half put visitors Plymouth in front.
Chelsea, who were without manager Thomas Tuchel on the sidelines after he tested for positive Covid-19, equalised before half time. Blues captain Cesar Azpilicueta produced a stunning flick inside the box to draw level.
Marcos Alonso came off the bench to eventually score the winner during extra time. The Blues needed goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to save a penalty in the finals stages to secure victory, though.
Chelsea first-team coach Michels replaced Tuchel in the dugout today and assessed Lukaku’s performance by suggesting he was unfortunate.
“He’s working a lot for the team, doing lots of touches, but is a little bit unlucky. We try to put him, give him opportunities and we will keep on going like this because he is an important player for us. He is our striker so he also needs some trust in moments he doesn’t score,” Michels said.
Chelsea need so much more
Yes, Lukaku was inches away from tapping in a cross from teammate Hakim Ziyech at one stage against Plymouth.
In addition, the 28-year-old striker held the ball up well and had a growing influence in the contest as it went on.
For him, he’ll know he’s performing so far off his best standard.
It was a fairly non-existent performance in the first half, so the pressure only continues to build on him at a time when he’s meant to be the star player.
Chelsea’s staff appear to be doing their best to try keep the limelight away from the Belgian because calling him “unlucky” seems very generous.
Ultimately, he must be judged on goals and final impact in the final third. It’s a very disappointing spell from him right now, but there are enough big games coming up for him to try spark a change.
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