flag
back Retour
“Strange one” – Former Arsenal player can’t understand Alonso’s big lineup decision
Morgan Rogers (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Morgan Rogers (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The decision to use Morgan Rogers up top proved to be a bad one for Chelsea, who probably now regret it.

If you enjoy Talk Chelsea coverage and want to see more of it, add us as a preferred source on Google to make us a favourite and see more of our content.

The news that Joao Pedro was injured was a massive blow to Chelsea, and in the end Xabi Alonso’s decision to replace him by moving Morgan Rogers up top and putting Geovany Quenda on the left wing didn’t work at all.

In fact, it was quite amazing how long the Spanish coach let that setup continue. He got ready to bring Danny Welbeck on at one point – then changed his mind after the red card and delayed that call.

Pundits weren’t sure at all about that decision – and it never looked like working.

Martin Keown questions Alonso’s line up decision

Danny Welbeck of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Carabao Cup
Danny Welbeck (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

“That’s a strange one. We know what Danny brings. They used him very late in the match, and I just can’t understand why they did not start with him,” Martin Keown said post-game on Match of the Day.

“Morgan Rogers, I can’t remember seeing him start in that position while he was at Aston Villa,” Keown added, questioning the decision to go with Rogers up front instead of bringing Welbeck into the XI.”

Rogers struggled to hold the ball up and make any sort of impact – it was noted he won just 18% of his duels, showing how easily the Spurs centre backs marshalled him.

In other news…

Chelsea’s overall setup was criticised as too “passive” in general as it allowed Tottenham to gain confidence in the game.

Alonso spoke about Mike Penders’ mistake and how he was going to help him recover from it.

You may like

There's a simple way to watch Liverpool vs Chelsea for *FREE* — stream Carabao Cup 2026/27

tomsguide.com il y a 1 heure

Match of the Day fans hope presenter Mark Chapman 'is ok' as they ask 'what's going on'

Manchester Evening News il y a 2 jours

Matthäus emphasizes: Without Bayern, Kane wouldn’t have won the Ballon d’Or

fcbinside.com il y a 1 heure

The in-form forward on Arsenal’s transfer radar – and whether they’ll make a surprise January bid

3addedminutes.com il y a 1 heure

Xabi Alonso makes brutal Estevao Willian decision for Liverpool vs Chelsea clash

football.london il y a 1 heure

Joao Pedro replacements ranked after Xabi Alonso delivers worrying news

thechelseachronicle.com il y a 3 heures

Bringing Bruno Fernandes back to face Chelsea is right – on two conditions

unitedinfocus.com il y a 1 heure

Roy Keane denied Man Utd return by Michael Carrick call as role lined up for ex-captain

Mirror il y a 46 minutes

Why is Cole Palmer Suspended? Explaining Chelsea Star Not Playing vs. Liverpool, Available for Ma...

heavy.com il y a 18 minutes