Ian Wright was completely stumped by Cesar Azpilicueta’s decision to manhandle Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka in the Chelsea box last night.
Speaking on Premier League Productions after his former side won 4-2 at Stamford Bridge, Wright couldn’t hide his shock and confusion at Azpilicueta’s actions in the dying embers of the game.
How bad were the Blues?
Chelsea had largely embarrassed themselves even before their captain gave away a needless penalty with the contest already slipping away from them.
Andreas Christensen foreshadowed what was to come for the European champions with just 13 minutes on the clock; unlucky for some.
Certainly unlucky for the Danish international, whose weak back pass couldn’t reach Edouard Mendy but did find Eddie Nketiah, the goal calmly slotted by Arsenal’s young striker.
Timo Werner gave the home crowd something to cheer about 240 seconds later, levelling the score thanks to a big deflection off Granit Xhaka.
But the Gunners weren’t to be gunned down by this reply and went ahead again through Emile Smith Rowe.
This endless shoot-out continued throughout the first-half, as Azpilicueta managed to divert Mason Mount’s cross past Aaron Ramsdale to make it 2-2.
However, things began to unravel for Chelsea from that moment onwards.
Craziness from Cesar
Some more uncertain defending in the area allowed Nketiah to chance to bag his brace, which he gratefully gobbled up.
Then came the event that had supporters, pundits and rivals alike shaking their heads in dismay.
With the match nearly over, Mikel Arteta’s men pushed for the killer blow to sink the Blues.
They were presented that opportunity on a plate by Azpilicueta.
The Spaniard delivered a wrestling move on Saka inside the area, which was instantly picked up by referee Jonathan Moss.
“Look at that. What is he doing? An experienced player like that. One man in the box,” said Wright when watching the incident back.
“Wasn’t even looking at the ball. It’s crazy.”
Saka guided his shot into the bottom corner from the spot, spinning away in celebration into the arms of the Arsenal fans.
A similar feeling of love was not reciprocated by the Chelsea season-ticket holders, who piled onto the Fulham Road fully deflated.
Thomas Tuchel’s squad probably looked the same in the dressing room, aware a huge response will be needed against West Ham United on Sunday.
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