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Akan Anwankwo
Legit.ng
– Antonio Rudiger is yet to feature for Chelsea since the start of the new season, missing all the three matches
– The German star has widely been linked with a possible summer departure, with PSG and West Ham thought to be interested
– Frank Lampard has appeared to prefer the partnership of Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma but has been asked to reinstate Rudiger in the first team
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Premier League legend Martin Keown has described Chelsea defence as “a disgrace” following the side’s disappointing display against West Bromwich Albion.
The Blues had to rely on a Tammy Abraham’s late strike on Saturday, September 26, to seal a 3-3 draw away at the Hawthorns.
A shambolic defensive display saw Chelsea punished against West Brom. Photo: Getty Images.
Source: Getty Images
The west London side had gone three goals down at the break before they staged a dramatic comeback to hold the newly-promoted club.
First half defensive blunders involving Marcos Alonso and new recruit Thiago Silva saw Callum Robinson net a brace before Kyle Bartley struck before the half-hour mark to make it 3-0.
The performance forced Frank Lampard into a double substitution at the break, introducing Cesar Azpilicueta in place of Alonso and Callum Hudson-Odoi in place of Mateo Kovacic.
The change paid off as Azpilicueta set up Mason Mount for Chelsea’s first goal, before Hudson-Odoi and Abraham completed the comeback.
Keown now believes Lampard has no choice but to pair Antonio Rudiger at the heart of his defence to fix the leaky side.
Lampard has appeared to prefer the partnership of Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma, but Keown has warned Rudiger has to be drafted back into the starting line up.
Antonio Rudiger is yet to feature for Chelsea since the start of the new season, missing all the three matches. Photo: Getty Images.
Source: Getty Images
Keown told talkSPORT:
“Maybe Rudiger actually is the best defender and he will perform better with somebody alongside him who will tell him how to craft, how to mark from crosses.
“I think Rudiger [should play], I know he has problems from set-pieces, but they all do.”
Rudiger is yet to feature for Chelsea since the start of the season, leading to speculation he could leave the club this summer.
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that Kepa Arrizibalaba was spotted talking to Jorginho after Chelsea cheaply conceded the first goal against West Bromwich Albion.
And fans have reacted on social media claiming the Spanish goalkeeper was blaming his teammate Willy Caballero for committing the error.
Callum Robson opened the scoring in just four minutes after a defensive error from Marcos Alonso, as the striker shot the ball through Recce James’ legs to beat Caballero in goal.
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