All eyes were on Moisés Caicedo’s debut in the London Stadium, but Mauricio Pochettino decided to play it safe and place him on the bench. When questioned about his decision, Pochettino was adamant that it was the correct thing to do as the two new signings, Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia, did not train properly in the last ten days, and many things happened. Staying true to his notion of playing Caicedo for the last half an hour, the Ecuadorian came on in the 61st minute, but his impact was on the opposite side of the pitch.
Moisés Caicedo’s Disastrous Performance
Before the game, Moisés Caicedo thought his life was bright and beautiful as he completed a record-breaking transfer to Chelsea and will be the first Ecuadorian to play for the club. However, everything turned sour as he came off the bench for his debut. He was inefficient in midfield, conceded a penalty in the dying minutes and was probably the worst player on the pitch in the final half an hour.
While we try not to place all the slack on Moisés Caicedo in Chelsea’s defeat, it was hard to pinpoint a worse-performing player in blue than him. People may bring up Mykhailo Mudryk and Axel Disasi, but the price tag of £115 million and the fact he lost possession 8 times in 37 minutes is just too enticing to ignore.
Moises Caicedo’s Chelsea Debut by numbers:
37 minutes played
8 losses of possession
2 fouls
1 shot off target
1 error leading to shot
1 penalty concededNext time… 🫣 pic.twitter.com/yt0xMUWNIz
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 20, 2023
Raheem Sterling Is Rolling Back the Years
Despite the limelight focusing on Moisés Caicedo’s disappointing debut and Chelsea’s wastefulness, Raheem Sterling’s performance was something Chelsea fans could take positively in. In contrast to many people’s expectations, Sterling did not stroll around the pitch and waste meaningful passes. In fact, he was the best-performing player for Chelsea in attack as he troubled the West Ham backline on multiple occasions, even winning the penalty that Enzo missed.
Although it has only been a year since Sterling transferred from Manchester City to Chelsea, fans did not have high hopes for someone Pep discarded. While the notion was true last season, his performances this season have been electric, direct and full of trickery. He may well be the player Chelsea needs the most, as Mykhailo Mudryk has yet to impress in a Chelsea shirt.
Raheem Sterling’s first half by numbers vs. West Ham:
43 touches
18 passes completed
9/12 ground duels won
4/5 dribbles completed
4 fouls won
1 penalty wonElectric. ⚡ pic.twitter.com/BM7nW8pFHt
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 20, 2023
Chelsea’s Injury Woes Continue
While determination, fighting spirit and togetherness are integral parts of a club aiming to win trophies, luck is also undeniably important. Chelsea seems to be cursed this season as they keep piling up the injury list in only two games. For example, newly appointed captain Reece James is already out with a hamstring injury, and Carney Chukwuemeka, the goal scorer today, could also suffer from a knee injury.
Besides, Chelsea is already without backup striker Armando Broja until next month, Wesley Fofana until late March of next year and new signing Christopher Nkunku until early December. Although Chelsea’s performances this season have not been bad, it does not matter if they cannot get points on the board.
Related: Chelsea’s New Signing Christopher Nkunku Ruled Out Until December 2023 After Tragic Knee Injury
James Ward-Prowse Is Still a Menace From Set Pieces
Unlike Moisés Caicedo, the debut of James Ward-Prowse went to expectation. Although we all know how lethal his set pieces are, the beauty of it is that you cannot stop it. For example, Chelsea had the best seats in the stadium as James Ward-Prowse showed his prowess from corners as he set up the first goal for Nayef Aguerd.
Furthermore, Ward-Prowse demonstrated his passing repertoire by playing a precise long ball to Antonio for their second goal. Despite many people appreciating the sensational goal more than the assist, Ashley Cole did not fail to give Ward-Prowse credit as he said that it is common for Ward-Prowse as he is not recognised as high as he should be. Jamie Redknapp also commented: “He brings so much quality, world-class delivery and is brilliant at pressing. Rice perhaps doesn’t have that pass in his locker. £30 million, when you look at that price tag, he’s going to add a lot of quality. He is a brilliant signing.”
James Ward-Prowse’s game by numbers vs. Chelsea:
96% pass accuracy
38 touches
23 passes completed
3 ground duels won
2 key passes
2 assists
1 big chance createdDebut to remember. 💫 pic.twitter.com/7QGbyNNhfw
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) August 20, 2023
Chelsea’s New Signings Still Need Time to Adapt
If the performance of Moisés Caicedo is anything to go by, Chelsea’s new signings will still need time to adapt. Despite scoring against Liverpool last week, Axel Disasi is now at fault for two of the four goals Chelsea has conceded this season. For Nicolas Jackson, he has led the line admirably for Chelsea with his unrelenting running, but he has failed to replicate his goal scoring form from pre-season.
While we can take this debut performance from Moisés Caicedo as a fluke, it is a clear indicator that this is a long-term project for the whole of Chelsea, and fans should keep their hopes and expectations to a minimum. For more footballing news, stay tuned to OtherLeague.com as we cover news of all your favourite teams.
