Owen Hargreaves has questioned Kalidou Koulibaly’s attempt at halting Miguel Almiron ahead of Newcastle United’s goal.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Hargreaves explained that the Chelsea defender should’ve forced Almiron onto his right foot instead of allowing him to drift inside.
It was the Paraguayan’s surging run past Koulibaly that set-up Joe Willock to slam a delightful effort past Edouard Mendy.
Almiron had been relatively well contained up to that point by Chelsea’s defence, especially Lewis Hall, who made his Premier League debut at Saint James’ Park.
But the one occasion the Newcastle forward was allowed space to penetrate, he took full advantage.
Yet, the decisive moment in the match could’ve been avoided from Graham Potter’s perspective had Koulibaly done more defensively.
“It was a fabulous finish from Joe Willock. Almiron gets a run on Hall, he’s just ball watching,” said Hargreaves.
“You just think, Koulibaly, you got to know your player. Don’t let him inside on his left foot. Make him go to the right.
“There’s plenty of space of space in front of that Chelsea back-four. The midfield don’t get back.”
Koulibaly and Chelsea caught out again
Koulibaly actually had a moderately decent game up to that point, but moderate is simply not good enough for Chelsea right now.
Across the entire team, they were mediocre compared to Newcastle’s relentless and resistant quality.
Eddie Howe instructed his side to harry and hassle the opposition, a tactic that worked a treat on numerous occasions.
Potter’s men couldn’t get a grasp of possession, nor were they allowed the opportunity to attack at will.
Nick Pope had very little to do, other than to deny Conor Gallagher’s strike from outside the area.
It was another dismal day for the Blues, who enter into the World Cup break in eighth place.
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