Mauricio Pochettino should be given more time at Chelsea, says Paul Merson
Mauricio Pochettino has won just one of his first six league games at Chelsea, leaving the side 14th in the Premier League table. Despite this, Arsenal legend Paul Merson believes that the Argentine should be given more time to implement his philosophy at the club.
The Blues have opened up teams but haven’t been scoring freely, with just five goals in those six games – three of which came in the home victory against Luton Town. Adding to their woes is the large amount of injuries, with nine players currently on the sidelines, not to mention Nicolas Jackson and Malo Gutso who will miss the Fulham match through suspension.
Jackson scored the winner as Chelsea beat Brighton in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, a ‘good result’ that ‘they really needed’ according to Merson. He wrote for Sportskeeda: ‘However, they have a bit of an issue against Fulham as Nicolas Jackson is suspended. I think Armando Broja will be given an opportunity to lead the line and I hope he takes his chance as he was doing well before getting injured.’
Chelsea Lack Clear Philosophy
Merson believes that Chelsea still lack a ‘clear philosophy’ unlike many of their rivals. He continued: ‘The Blues have opened up teams but haven’t been scoring freely. On some level, watching Chelsea reminds me of Manchester United because they don’t have a fixed pattern of play or a clear philosophy like Arsenal, Manchester City, or even Liverpool.’
The former midfielder added: ‘I wouldn’t be shocked if Chelsea dropped points because it’s been that kind of a season for them, but they’re my team and my heart says they’ll win 1-0. Mauricio Pochettino still hasn’t found his best team and I feel bad for him as they’ve just gone out and bought player after player with no real plan. They also have a handful of injury issues to deal with, so I think we have to wait before passing judgment on Pochettino’s time at the club.’
Fulham Struggling Too
Fulham are struggling to find the back of the net as well, having scored just five times as well – only Burnley and Luton have fewer goals – with the Cottagers currently 11th in the table and three points ahead of the Blues.
The west London derby will be a tight affair, with both sides desperate for points and a win could prove crucial in their respective battles against relegation. Merson believes that Chelsea will edge it 1-0, but with so many injuries and suspensions, it could be a close-run thing.
Conclusion
Mauricio Pochettino has had a difficult start to life at Chelsea, but Paul Merson believes that he should be given more time to implement his philosophy at the club. The Blues travel to Craven Cottage on Monday night to face local rivals Fulham in what could prove to be a crucial game in their battle against relegation.