Frank Leboeuf admitted that Romelu Lukaku’s performance for Chelsea against Tottenham Hotspur yesterday was sub-standard.
Speaking on ESPN, Leboeuf labelled the Belgian’s display in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg as pretty mediocre.
It is safe to say Lukaku’s evening probably didn’t mean expectations.
The demands of Chelsea supporters were extremely high pre-match, as they felt the striker owed them big time following his unsavoury interview with Sky Italia.
They wanted to see a flourish in front of goal from their ridiculed number nine.
Lukaku-less than affective
Lukaku did not deliver the goods in this sense but worked valiantly for the team both in and out of possession.
Yet, whenever the 28-year-old fails to land on the score sheet, it is seen as something of a failure.
“Average I would say,” said Leboeuf on the centre-forward’s outing last night.
“It’s like the story is still in his mind and he has to get over it, otherwise he’s not going to have good performances and we need him at his best.”
However, there were obvious positives to take from the 2-0 London derby victory.
“But, I’m happy to see the problem resolved and that he’s (Lukaku) back,” continued Leboeuf.
“Like I’m happy to see (Timo) Werner back and that Chelsea can go back to some better play, better games and some wins like today against Spurs.
“It was a good win, a deserving one and hopefully they can do the same in the second leg.”
Brilliant Blues
Aside from Lukaku’s ordinary showing, Chelsea in general were awesome all across the park.
Thomas Tuchel’s understudies took a lead role in taking apart Tottenham.
Malang Sarr kept the left flank on lockdown for most of the contest, whilst Saul Niguez looked more assured than ever in blue.
Hakim Ziyech was the key to the home side’s success, despite starting the duel at right wing-back.
Shocking Spurs
The Blues were as good as Spurs were bad.
Antonio Conte’s return to the stadium who once sang his name ended in a pretty dour fashion.
His group looked void of any creativity and simply couldn’t cope with Chelsea’s changed formation.
The capital is still very much covered in blue.
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