Premier League icons Gianfranco Zola and Ian Wright have pinpointed Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana as the primary reason for Arsenal’s equaliser during Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Despite being reduced to ten men after Moises Caicedo received a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Mikel Merino, Chelsea initially took the lead in the 48th minute through Trevoh Chalobah. Arsenal responded 11 minutes later when Merino headed home Bukayo Saka’s cross.
Both Zola and Wright highlighted Fofana’s failure to track Merino’s run as a critical defensive lapse. Speaking on Premier League Productions, Wright stated: “Fofana as the central defender, he leaves him. He’s now ball watching and he’s hoping the ball doesn’t get put in a good position instead of making sure he’s back another yard. Because with another yard, Fofana is maybe able to flick it away.”
Zola added: “I agree, it is the mistake so many defenders make, they get attracted to the ball, they start ball watching and they lose the opposition who is going in behind them. It happens, it is so common. A defender who loses his man in the box, it is not acceptable.”
The comments underscore the defensive struggles Chelsea faced despite their numerical disadvantage, and the missed opportunity to claim all three points against the Gunners.
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