'Had some golden chances': Chris Sutton thinks Chelsea player was wasteful in last night's display
Chris Sutton has claimed that Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku was wasteful in attack last night on his return to the starting line-up.
The 28-year-old striker returned to the starting XI during Wednesday night’s cup tie against Tottenham, as everyone looks to move post his recent interview controversy.
Chelsea secured a 2-0 home win against Spurs in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final, so will make the short trip to their rivals next week in a confident mood for the second leg.
Kai Havertz’s early opener put the Blues in front before an own goal from Ben Davies later in the first half.
In fairness, Thomas Tuchel’s side may be a little disappointed to finish the night with only a two-goal advantage because of their dominance in the contest.
Pundit Sutton felt that Lukaku didn’t quite deliver in the final third on his comeback:
“Romelu Lukaku had some golden chances to mark his return to the Chelsea line up in that fashion on Wednesday night,” Sutton wrote.
“One of them arrived after only 20 seconds. He shook loose Davinson Sanchez then tried to pass when a £97.5million striker should be more selfish and shoot for goal.
“Later in the half, he could and should have buried a header beyond Hugo Lloris after outmuscling Sanchez but just didn’t direct it on target.”
However, Lukaku’s teammate Hakim Ziyech described him as “really sharp” after yesterday’s performance.
He’ll now be hoping to kick on and make it up to supporters that are frustrated by the interview saga.
Chelsea absolutely dominate Spurs
Yes, a 2-0 scoreline doesn’t scream of sheer dominance.
However, Tuchel’s men were in full control in the semi-final tie at home to Spurs.
It’s extremely frustrating that the tie wasn’t put to bed, as they know there is plenty of work to do still in next week’s second leg.
There was so much to love about Chelsea’s latest performance, though.
The Blues have played with such intensity and aggression in their last two consecutive matches, with the display against Spurs coming so soon after the thriller against Liverpool.
It definitely looks like Chelsea are finding some rhythm in the New Year.
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