Paul Merson has claimed on Sky Sports Premier League that watching Newcastle defend against Arsenal was an example of why Romelu Lukaku is no longer at Chelsea.
The Belgian is currently on loan back at Inter Milan after spending just a year back at Stamford Bridge.
Last night saw a resolute defensive display from Eddie Howe’s men as they travelled to table-topping Arsenal, who were in glistening form.
It was very typical of the side we have come to expect from Eddie Howe. They’ve conceded just 11 goals in 18 matches this season.
There was an element of frustration in Mikel Arteta’s comments post-match, with him annoyed at Newcastle’s methods behind securing a point.
However, Merson has claimed facing defensive sides comes as part of the territory of being a top side, a fate Chelsea have suffered for a number of years now.
Merson on Lukaku
He went to say this is part of the reason why the deal for Lukaku failed to work out.
He said: “It’s like going to Stamford Bridge. You kick-off at Stamford Bridge, teams just run back and sit in front of their goal. That’s why Lukaku doesn’t play for #Chelsea anymore.
“There’s no space to create chances. Arsenal have earned that, it’s what top teams face.”
Lukaku’s time back in England undoubtedly failed to live up to the hype of what a club-record signing promised.
Issues off the pitch have made things seemingly unrepairable between the two parties, and the Belgian’s antics since joining back on loan last summer will have not gone far in repairing the relationship with the Stamford Bridge faithful.
With the Blues reportedly close to securing a deal for RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku, it seems as if Lukaku may get his wish in not playing for Chelsea again.
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