LONDON • Maurizio Sarri admitted Chelsea need attacking reinforcements after they wasted a chance to cement their place in the Premier League's top four with a 0-0 draw against struggling Southampton on Wednesday.
Alvaro Morata was back in the league starting XI for the first time since the defeat at Wolves on Dec 5, replacing the injured Olivier Giroud. But he fluffed two good chances and had another contentiously ruled out for offside.
Eden Hazard was twice denied by 22-year-old goalkeeper Angus Gunn, who had a top-flight debut to remember for the Saints, rejuvenated under new manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.
The Blues, the lowest scorers in the top six with only 38 goals, failed to score for the third time in their last five home league games.
The tepid and one-paced performance raised more questions about the need for a top-class striker on a day they splashed out £58 million (S$99.7 million) on Borussia Dortmund midfielder Christian Pulisic.
"The club knows my opinion. I think we need something else for our (attack)," Sarri said when asked if he would consider recalling on-loan forwards Michy Batshuayi and Tammy Abraham.
It was only last week that the Italian said he would not enter the market for a centre forward.
BLUNT BLUES
38
Chelsea's league goal tally, the lowest among the Premier League's top six.
He made it clear the responsibility for new signings lies with owner Roman Abramovich, saying: "It depends on the board, not on me. I have to think of the training. I have to try to improve my players in the offensive phase.
"We played a good match for 80 minutes, then we were in trouble in the last 20. We have to try to solve the problem. We were in control of every match recently, but it was not easy to score the first goal."
Hazard has often been cast in the centre forward's role, with Morata scoring only seven goals this term and none in the league since Nov 4.
On his recall, the former Real Madrid star looked completely bereft of touch and confidence.
Hazard looked more vibrant back in his favoured winger role, but failed to torment the Saints once again despite having been involved in seven goals against them in the last six matches in all competitions.
While successive away wins at Watford and Palace made it a happy Christmas for Chelsea, their first home game of the new year was a lot like their last in 2018.
Despite dominating Leicester on Dec 22, they were beaten 1-0 as they failed to break down the visitors' defence.
The boos rang out at full-time as Cesc Fabregas, who came on as a 68th-minute substitute for his 500th club appearance in English football, was waving to the home fans. He wants to join Monaco this month and hopes the club can sign a replacement.
Chelsea remain in fourth on 44 points, just three ahead of Arsenal in the race to qualify for the Champions League. And they still have to visit both the Manchester clubs, Arsenal and Liverpool.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, THE GUARDIAN
Neymar's father reveals superstar is in talks with Paris Saint-Germain over a new deal amid Real Madrid links: 'We are already discussing an extension' is likely to see his deal improved; Real
Neymar's agent laughs off Madrid move, extension more than
dailyactive.info/2019/03/26/neymars-agent-laughs-off-madrid-move-extension-more-than-likely/
Neymar's agent laughs off Madrid move, extension more than likely. deal with Paris Saint-Germain was more likely. of a switch to Real Madrid or elsewhere
Neymar's dad drops huge hint his son could leave PSG in the
Pochettino loses his cool as Spurs slump, Huddersfield closer to relegation getty, Alex Livesey Mauricio Pochettino launched a furious rant at referee Mike Dean after Tottenham's Premier League title challenge suffered a crushing blow in a controversial 2-1 defeat against Burnley, while Huddersfield were pushed closer to relegation by their 2-0
Pochettino loses his cool as Spurs slump, Huddersfield closer
MADRID • Cristiano Ronaldo's gesticulations were borne out of frustration. Read more at straitstimes.com. Ronaldo frustrated as Atletico grab late 2-0 win, Football News & Top Stories - The
Ronaldo learns fine for mocking Simeone with groin grab
Football: Yoshida-san, restore the Lions' semangat, boleh? 0:0 Comments Croatian Luxury Tourism Segment Presented in Singapore - Total Croatia News 0:0 Comments Tennis: Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas into last 16 at sweltering Roland Garros 0:0 Comments Football: Grief in Sevilla as former star Jose Antonio Reyes killed in car crash 0:0
Sunderland owner Donald to sell 64 per cent of his stake in
sportstoft.com/soccer/sunderland-owner-donald-to-sell-64-per-cent-of-his-stake-in-the-club/
Sportsmail can reveal that the deal would see Campbell acquire 64 per cent from owner Stewart Donald and 10 per cent from Uruguayan investor Juan Sartori.. That would leave Donald and Sartori each with a 10 per cent stake, and executive director Charlie Methven is likely to retain the six per cent share he was given by Donald for brokering the purchase of the club from Ellis Short just 13
Newspapers | Media | Virginia Bus
virginiabus.info/news/us-biologists-probe-deaths-of-70-emaciated-gray-whales/
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA (REUTERS) - US government biologists have launched a special investigation into the deaths of at least 70 gray whales washed ashore in recent months along the US West Coast, from California to Alaska, many of them emaciated, officials said on Friday (May 31).
Sacked Puel says an 'honour' to manage Leicester. to work for the late and much-loved Khun Vichai, who gave me the fantastic opportunity to manage his club and share some great moments
Sacked Puel says an 'honour' to manage Leicester - Nairalovers
Qatari Goal Machine Ali Targets Europe Move Before 2022 World Cup Almoez Ali brushed off a row about his eligibility to scoop an Asian Cup winner's medal and smash a 23-year-old scoring record on Friday, confirming that Qatar have a potential star in the making for when they host the 2022 World Cup.
Qatari goal machine Ali targets Europe move before 2022 World
Pochettino defiant as poor Tottenham form continues. Share. Tweet. Share. By Peter Hall (Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino remained defiant despite his side preparing
Pochettino defiant as poor Tottenham form continues
Bayern Munich showed all their Champions League experience and quality organisation as they held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their last 16 match at Anfield on Tuesday in a game of
The Fiji Times » Solid and smart Bayern hold Liverpool at Anfield
Is Sunday's game a must win for United, and must not lose for Chelsea? "The match is clear. In this moment, it's a very important match. It's probably more than important for our target. And so we will try to win, of course. But we need not to lose. It's a very difficult match for both, I think.
Angry Sarri storms out of Chelsea training before Europa
Serie A champions Juventus have dismissed reports they are set to make Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola their new head coach, with sporting director Fabio Paratici calling the entire news
Pep Guardiola categorically denies Juventus manager links
England thrash Montenegro 5-1 after early scare. England thrash Montenegro 5-1 after early scare. Skip navigation Sign in. Search. Loading Close. This video is unavailable.
"Get all latest content delivered straight to your inbox." Email address: Leave this field empty if you're human:
World Cup » News » Kane 'proud' of England response to race jibes
Football: Improved Denis Suarez ready to make impact, say
0 comments:
Post a Comment