“Don’t drop him again” “Start him against Arsenal” – Pochettino told not to drop 24-year-old Chelsea player again after what he did in semi-final defeat against City
After Chelsea’s FA Cup loss at the semi-final stage over the weekend, the dust has now settled.
In general, the Blues played a rather good game against Manchester City, with Mauricio Pochettino calling many of the shots.
Conor Gallagher’s starting position on the left side will undoubtedly raise some eyebrows, especially considering how effective the player had been playing with Moises Caicedo in the middle of the park five days prior.
The only player added who didn’t start the convincing victory against Everton was Enzo Fernandez, who is obviously a vital member of the team when healthy and on the ball.
Defensively as well the Blues also made the best out of a tough situation when it came to who was available and who was out injured.
With no Levi Colwill, Pochettino elected to start Trevoh Chalobah again, with him being a regular since he made his long-awaited return to the squad earlier this year.
It is widely expected that the club will seek offers for the Englishman when the transfer window opens again, with it seeming for large parts of this season that he was surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge.
Mauricio Pochettino must keep starting Trevoh Chalobah
However, his performance in the semi-final was a commanding one at the back, showing he can deal with some of the best attackers in world football on his day.
His fantastic display was matched by Thiago Silva alongside him, who is also at this stage expected to leave the club at the end of the season.
The Brazilian was clearly emotional off the back of the defeat, with many questioning if that was his last chance at silverware in Europe disappearing.
While they would be looking for a fee for Chalobah, it feels as if his replacement at that price will be no better than what he brings them already.