‘Shocked Arsenal’: Gary Neville absolutely loved how Mauricio Pochettino used Chelsea pair in 2-2 draw

Add as preferred source on Google

Gary Neville was really impressed with how Mauricio Pochettino used Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher in Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal on Saturday.

Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher both started the London derby, with the former managing to get his name on the scoresheet.

And Neville, speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, says Mauricio Pochettino‘s use of the pair and his overall system on the day shocked Arsenal.

Chelsea threw away their lead in the end, but it was Palmer who gave them one with his first-half penalty. Neville was really impressed with his performance at Stamford Bridge, feeling that the attacking midfielder gave Mikel Arteta’s side so many problems.

Arsenal stunned by Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher

According to Neville, Pochettino’s use of Palmer and Gallagher caught Arsenal by surprise.

Discussing the two on The Gary Neville Podcast, the Manchester United legend said: “They had Gallagher and Palmer coming back into sort of No.10 positions. It really sort of shocked Arsenal.

“Out of possession, they couldn’t get the ball into [Martin] Odegaard, Arsenal, because of Chelsea’s four who were there, Gallagher, Palmer, [Moises] Caicedo and [Enzo] Fernandez. It was really good.”

Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher crucial for Mauricio Pochettino

Palmer and Gallagher have been such key players for Pochettino this season.

In his six Premier League appearances for Chelsea, the former has scored two goals and provided one assist.

As for the latter, he has been an ever-present under his boss and received the captain’s armband after Reece James and Ben Chilwell picked up injuries.

James is fit again, so Chelsea will have their skipper back, but Gallagher can continue to be an important player for Pochettino.

While James may be back, Romeo Lavia is still out injured, so Gallagher should be in line for more minutes. And if the England international keeps performing, then there is a chance of him retaining his spot in the team.

Chelsea will certainly be disappointed with throwing a two-goal lead away against their London rivals. But there were still positives to take away from the game, including the performances of Palmer and Gallagher.