Former Manchester United star Gary Neville has pointed fingers at two Chelsea players after the Blues’ stunning 3-1 loss to Leeds United on Wednesday night.
The pundit criticised defenders Malo Gusto and Tosin Adarabioyo, describing their involvement in the match as disastrous and highlighting their part in the defensive lapses that defined Chelsea’s performance.
Chelsea had restored some optimism among fans with their spirited display against Arsenal on Sunday, but that momentum evaporated at Elland Road, where the team looked disjointed and lacked resilience.
Leeds struck twice before halftime through Jaka Bijol and Ao Tanaka, putting the pressure squarely on the visitors. Pedro Neto reduced the deficit five minutes into the second half, offering Chelsea a glimmer of hope.
However, with just 18 minutes left to play, a major defensive blunder sealed Chelsea’s fate. Malo Gusto attempted a back pass toward Tosin Adarabioyo, but the centre-back failed to control the ball inside his own six-yard box. The error allowed Leeds forward Noah Okafor to capitalize. Although goalkeeper Robert Sanchez managed to parry Okafor’s shot, the rebound landed perfectly for Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who tapped home effortlessly to extend the lead to 3-1.
“It’s a nightmare for Maresca, a dream for Leeds,” Neville said on Sky Sports, placing full responsibility for the sequence on Gusto and Tosin.
“The centre backs on the ball have been sloppy all night. I’m not sure if Gusto’s pass to Chalobah is the right one, you just have to welly it up the pitch. What are you doing trying to control it and play it back in there? And Sanchez… it is difficult for him.
“That front two for Leeds have beaten Chelsea up for 72 minutes.
“What a mess. Chelsea’s defenders have been poor on the ball all night, playing it in their own six yard box to each other.”
The defeat has intensified scrutiny on Chelsea’s defensive structure and raised fresh concerns about the team’s composure under pressure, fueling ongoing discussions among Premier League analysts and fans.
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