Ekun Samuel, 17 September 2016
In what seems to be an electrifying moment of tension and trills at Stamford Bridge. Stakes were high, as the two mangers are reputably known for their high intensity football. Two first half goals from Dejan Lovren and Jordan Henderson was enough to seal a 2-1 win for the Reds, and Diego Costa second half goal wasn't enough to earn a come back.
It saw Antonio Conte featuring David Luiz in his second debut after his return to the Bridge at transfer deadline day. Been paired with Gary Cahill, the first goal witnessed a awful defending from the defenders that lacked leadeship and organisation. David Luiz was signed £32m after two years if been sold to PSG for £50m. He put up a good performance for the night but his pattern of play has been criticism by SkySport Pundit Jamie Carragher. Speaking with SkySport, he said;
"If John Terry played tonight, Chelsea wouldn't have conceded that first goal," Souness said. "Someone who can organise would have stopped that goal.
"David Luiz did nothing wrong but the most important thing for central defenders is stopping efforts on your goal."
Carragher went on to add that Luiz will struggle to break in to the Chelsea first-team if both Gary Cahill and Terry are fit, and suggested the former PSG defender's expansive style doesn't mark him out as an Antonio Conte player.
It will be Terry and Gary Cahill – it's tried and trusted," said Carragher. "Chelsea are a type of club where the club actually sign players – the manager gets changed so often it's almost like a European model.
"If Antonio Conte had wanted David Luiz he would've got him much earlier. He's not a Conte centre-back. He's had out and out defenders at Italy and Juventus – their main job is to defend and Luiz isn't that type of player."
Chelsea face Leicester City next in the League Cup and Arsenal next in the Premier League. It would be interesting to see how they fair this September with tough games on a row to play.
