“It’s not his day job” - Jason Cundy offers opinion on Chelsea star who ‘hardly’ got involved in EFL Cup loss to Newcastle
Former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy believes Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall had no impact against Newcastle United on Tuesday, October 30. The Blues succumbed to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of the Magpies at St. James' Park in the EFL Cup and subsequently bowed out of the tournament.
Dewsbury-Hall started the game on an unconventional right wing position. He played for 57 minutes, registering two shots, two successful dribbles and one touch in the opposition box.
Cundy, who was on commentary duties for the game, initially suggested that Dewsbury-Hall looks uncomfortable out wide.
“Dewsbury-Hall doesn’t look comfortable out on the right, we’ve hardly got him involved,” said Cundy (via The Chelsea Chronicle).
Dewsbury-Hall was finally replaced by Noni Madueke in the second half, with Cundy pointing out that it was tough for the English midfielder to fill in on the wings.
“Madueke is on for Dewsbury-Hall. We’ve now got a natural player on that right-hand side. This will give Chelsea a much more attacking threat from both flanks. What that also does now is gives us an out ball and an outlet because we’ve not really had that with Dewsbury-Hall. I’ve felt for him. It’s asking a central midfielder to play out wide right. It’s not his day job,” said Cundy.
Dewsbury-Hall joined Chelsea from Leicester City this summer and has appeared just nine times across competitions, registering one goal.
How have Chelsea performed under Enzo Maresca so far?
Enzo Maresca took charge at Chelsea this summer and has registered a mixed start to his campaign. The Italian manager made multiple changes to the squad during the summer, roping in new faces and offloading the deadwood.
The Blues have registered five wins and two defeats in nine games in the Premier League so far. They are currently fifth on the league table, six points behind leaders Manchester City.
Meanwhile, the London giants have also won both games in the UEFA Conference League so far. They are at the top of the league table at the moment, based on goal difference.
Chelsea started the EFL Cup quite well, registering a 5-0 win over Barrow in the Third Round last month. Maresca made 11 changes to his team for Wednesday's Fourth Round game against Newcastle United.
Even with the team training, the Italian manager refused to bring on Cole Palmer, who was on the bench. As such, it was clear that Maresca wasn't prioritisng the EFL Cup.