Jamie Carragher slams ‘sloppy’ Chelsea defence after West Ham defeat

Chelsea’s Premier League campaign got off to a disappointing start on Sunday as they were beaten 3-1 by West Ham at the London Stadium. Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher was quick to criticise the Blues’ ‘sloppy’ defending, pointing out the mistakes that led to the Hammers’ second goal.

Nayef Aguerd gave West Ham the lead after just seven minutes, before Carney Chukwuemeka levelled it up for Chelsea. Enzo Fernandez then had the chance to put his side ahead from the penalty spot, but his effort was saved by Alphonse Areola.

Michail Antonio then restored the Hammers’ lead out of nowhere – and Carragher felt there were several Blues defenders at fault for the goal – as the West Ham striker lashed in a shot from 20 yards through Axel Disasi’s legs.

Watching the goal on commentary duties for Sky Sports, Carragher said: ‘Malo Gusto is definitely playing him on. [Michail Antonio is] just slightly in behind the two centre-backs. It’s not great there from Axel Disasi. The ball goes in behind him. Disasi thinks he’s got him, he makes a mistake. He has the power and strength, Michail Antonio, leaving Levi Colwill for dead. West Ham find themselves 2-1 up. It’s maybe not deserved but the West Ham fans don’t care. Chelsea were sloppy at the back.’

Chelsea had plenty of time to turn the game around after West Ham goalscorer Aguerd was sent off in the 67th minute, but they left east London without a single point as their new record signing Moises Caicedo gave away a late penalty and Lucas Paqueta scored his spot kick to wrap up a 3-1 victory.

The result means Mauricio Pochettino continues his quest for a first win as head coach after the Blues drew 1-1 at home to Liverpool in their first game of the new Premier League season last week. They return to action on Friday when they host Luton Town.

Analysis of Chelsea’s Defeat

Chelsea’s defeat to West Ham was a disappointing start to their Premier League campaign, and it was clear that their defence was not up to scratch. Jamie Carragher was quick to point out the mistakes that led to Michail Antonio’s goal, with Malo Gusto playing him on and Axel Disasi making a mistake in allowing the ball to go in behind him.

The Blues had plenty of time to turn the game around after Aguerd was sent off in the 67th minute, but they failed to take advantage of their numerical superiority and were punished for their sloppiness at the back when Moises Caicedo gave away a late penalty which Lucas Paqueta converted to seal a 3-1 victory for West Ham.

Mauricio Pochettino will now be looking for his first win as head coach when Chelsea host Luton Town on Friday, and it is clear that he will need to tighten up his side’s defence if they are to have any chance of success this season.