Blues’ captain under fire for lackluster performance and red card in dismal defeat
Chris Waddle, a BBC analyst, struck down Chelsea captain Reece James in a brutal analysis of Chelsea’s terrible 4-1 defeat against Newcastle United.
The 23-year-old right-back, who had been hailed by Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino as one of the world’s top players just days before, found himself in hot water for his poor performance.
Chelsea lost an early lead against Newcastle, with Raheem Sterling’s equalizing free-kick providing just a little relief. Meanwhile, Waddle was enraged by James’ red card in the final 20 minutes.
The Blues captain was shown two yellow cards, the first for a foolish act of petulance – kicking the ball away – and a second one for a foul on Anthony Gordon.
Waddle, commenting on BBC, expressed shock at James’ indiscipline, adding that there was no positive takeaway from the poor outing for any Chelsea player.
BBC pundit Chris Waddle strongly criticised the Blues right-back after his dismissal.
“He just trips up Gordon and he is on a yellow.
He didn’t need to do it and it’s a silly challenge and he is sent off,” Waddle told BBC Sport.
Despite recent highs against Tottenham and Manchester City, Chelsea’s inconsistency has left fans unhappy and questioning the team’s mid-table position.
The loss acted as a harsh reality check, breaking the fanbase’s goodwill and creating doubts about the team’s current season trajectory.
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