Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Chelsea really missed Mason Mount in their 1-0 defeat to Manchester City over the weekend.
The Blues surrendered their unbeaten start to the season by losing on Saturday afternoon at home to rivals Man City in the Premier League.
Gabriel Jesus’ deflected goal separated the teams at Stamford Bridge, but it was a game where the hosts got nowhere near their best levels.
Thomas Tuchel’s side have 13 points from their opening six league games, which isn’t the worst tally when you consider they’ve already played Man City, Tottenham, Liverpool and Arsenal.
Pundit Ferdinand explained in his post-match analysis that the absence of Mount today was extremely noticeable for Chelsea.
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder was on the sidelines with a minor injury and Ferdinand believes that his energy was a big miss on the pitch for his side.
“I tell you one thing that was missing today from a Chelsea perspective… the energy and the ability to click the forward players with the midfielders, Mason Mount,” Ferdinand told BT Sport 1 (2:40pm, 25 September).
“What he does for this team in connecting the midfielders and forwards is huge. I think that energy as well will be something I’m sure Tuchel will be looking at and thinking ‘I need to get him back as soon as possible’.”
Mason Mount unsung hero at times
Of course, Mount would have run his socks off had he played.
Chelsea battled away against Man City without really getting a grip on the contest at any stage, so it was ultimately a disappointing result. There was a clear problem getting the ball to stick up top whenever they had the ball.
Mount hasn’t started the new campaign in the best individual form, but he does make a difference with his enthusiasm and creativity.
Chelsea were just lacking in the final third today, but the return of Mount and Christian Pulisic from respective injuries should inject something extra.
Also, the Blues are about to enter a favourable run of fixtures that should give them an opportunity to build some league momentum.
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