Chelsea’s fragile defence came under scrutiny after their 2-2 draw with Brentford, with former Liverpool star Steve Nicol pointing directly at Tosin Adarabioyo for his role in the opening goal – www.isagoal.com reports.
Speaking on ESPN FC, Nicol described Chelsea’s defensive structure as vulnerable, singling out the triangle of goalkeeper Robert Sánchez, Trevoh Chalobah, and Tosin as the team’s soft spot.
“The little triangle between the center backs Tosin, Chalobah, and the goalkeeper Sánchez is really where their weakness is,” Nicol said, adding that it was evident in Brentford’s first goal.
The incident in question came in the 35th minute, when Tosin failed to deal with a pass from Jordan Henderson, giving Kevin Schade the chance to put Brentford in front.
Chelsea managed a response after halftime, with Cole Palmer and Moisés Caicedo finding the net to turn the game around temporarily.
Fábio Carvalho struck late for Thomas Frank’s side, denying Chelsea all three points and keeping the spotlight firmly on their defensive lapses.
Nicol stressed that regardless of who lines up alongside Sánchez, the cracks in that area of the pitch remain visible and costly.
Manager Enzo Maresca has more to worry about with Levi Colwill out injured, leaving Tosin, signed on a free transfer, to shoulder greater responsibility.
The 27-year-old will be under pressure to deliver a stronger performance when Chelsea face Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League next week.
This article was updated 4 weeks ago
