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Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin has called out Enzo Fernandez for his lackluster display against Manchester City. The Blues suffered a 2-0 defeat in their Premier League opener against the defending champions on Sunday, August 18.
Fernandez started the game as a No. 10. However, he failed to impress as Nevin pointed out the Argentine didn't track back to cover the empty spaces. Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, he said (via The Chelsea Chronicle):
"Enzo is not coming back and covering the space but he's nor doing much ging forward either. He has to do more for the team defensively."
Nevin even made a Conor Gallagher claim, saying:
"Enzo has been very, very quiet in that number 10 position. You have to be central to everything in that position. If you're Conor Gallagher you'd be thinking you can do better than that."
Erling Haaland (18') and Mateo Kovacic (84') scored at Stamford Bridge to hand Enzo Maresca a defeat in his first competitive game in charge of Chelsea. With Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo starting as the defensive midfielders, Fernandez took up the No. 10 role but didn't look inspiring.
Gallagher, meanwhile, is on his way out of the club. The England international is reportedly set to join Atletico Madrid and wasn't included in the matchday squad for the Manchester City game.
Enzo Fernandez's numbers in the Chelsea vs Manchester City game
Enzo Fernandez captained Chelsea during their Premier League opener against Manchester City. However, he failed to impress in the No. 10 role.
Fernandez completed 46 of his 54 attempted passes with an 85 percent accuracy. He made no key pass and completed one cross. The Argentine played five long balls, had one shot on target, and had a shot blocked.
Fernandez won four ground duels and one aerial duel during the game. He also lost possession 13 times, which is uncharacteristic, and was dribbled past on one occasion.
Chelsea, meanwhile, succumbed to defeat in their first game of the Maresca era. Defending Premier League champions Manchester City were once again at their brilliant best.
The Blues will return to action Thursday, August 22, to play Swiss Super League club Servette in the UEFA Europa Conference League play-off first leg.
Despite finishing sixth last season, Chelsea missed out on the Europa League. Manchester United won the FA Cup and took the final Europa League spot.
