Very Much Still Their Leak” Jamie Carragher Sheds On Two Chelsea Stars After Palace Draw

Jamie Carragher, the former Liverpool defender and prominent football pundit, criticized Chelsea stars Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella for their performances in a frustrating 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Enzo Maresca’s side began 2025 with dropped points, leaving fans and pundits alike questioning certain aspects of the team’s gameplay.

Carragher specifically pointed out weaknesses in Chelsea’s defensive structure and game management. Speaking after the match, he remarked:

“They {Gusto and Cucu} are still the leaks on the team; the coach needs to work on that… It’s game management where Chelsea are lacking at times. They need to know when to slow things down, having some men drop off, having someone sitting alongside Moises Caicedo in the base of midfield, instead of this constant trying to go forward.”

Despite taking the lead through a brilliant first-half combination between Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho, Chelsea failed to maintain control, allowing Palace to equalize and secure a share of the points. The result keeps Chelsea in fourth place in the Premier League, but with Newcastle United just one point behind and Manchester City two points adrift, their position in the top four is under threat.

Both teams will now turn their attention to the FA Cup third round. Chelsea hosts Morecambe at Stamford Bridge on January 11, while Crystal Palace welcomes Stockport County the following day. Chelsea’s next league fixture is at home against Bournemouth on January 14, with Palace set to face Leicester City away on January 15.