Jermaine Jenas sounded rather sympathetic whist speaking about the performance of Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher against Manchester City earlier this evening.
Jenas noted how the 22-year-old toiled on in the FA Cup third round fixture whilst commentating live for the BBC.
Gallagher was awarded a starting role by Graham Potter tonight, having provided energy from the bench in the previous meeting between the two sides.
The England international began the game as one of the three central midfielders tasked with stopping City’s own trio.
It was a battle that was dominated by the hosts, with Phil Foden, Bernardo Silva and Rodri ripping apart the traveling team.
Conor Gallagher was gulped down by Manchester City
None of Gallagher, Mateo Kovacic or Jorginho managed to get a foothold in the fixture, largely to Chelsea’s downfall.
Kovacic was replaced at half-time by new signing David Datro Fofana, as Potter attempted to claw back the 3-0 deficit.
Jorginho lasted just over an hour before exchanging places on the field with Azpilicueta.
Gallagher was gifted the entire 90-minutes, although he might’ve wished to have been dragged off due to a stern test on enemy soil.
“Gallagher has had a tough game, as have a lot of the Chelsea players. He just wants to perform,” said Jenas.
It was chance for the Cobham academy graduate to stake a claim for a more prominent role in the XI.
An opportunity that he was denied, mainly due to City’s control of the contest.
With Ruben Loftus-Cheek close to returning from injury, and Denis Zakaria continuously impressing, perhaps Gallagher has missed his opening.
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