Mauricio Pochettino must keep 25-year-old in his starting Chelsea after stunning performance against Arsenal
Despite not picking up all three points at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, there will be plenty of positives taken from Mauricio Pochettino for Chelsea’s performance at the weekend.
For more than three quarters of the game against Arsenal, the Blues were easily the better of the two sides despite their opponents being unbeaten this season
Pundits were particularly impressed with the performances of Cole Palmer and Conor Gallagher. The duo played in unique variants of the number 10 role, with no recognised striker on the pitch.
His last three appearance have all been on the right of defence, where he has adapted quickly to the role despite never really playing there in his career.
Cucurella must continue starting
However, he was back to his preferred left-hand-side for the London derby, with Levi Colwill being needed to play in the middle of defence.
Facing the tricky prospect of Bukayo Saka down that side, there will have been a lot of eyes on that battle for Arsenal fans as one that could win them the game.
However, for the majority of the game the England international was completely locked down by his opponent, who again showed that this season he is fighting back after a tough first season at Stamford Bridge.
Many will have believed his time at the club was coming to an end, and a move on loan to Manchester United looked on the cards.
However, now it seems as if the 25-year-old can’t really be dropped right now based on how well he is playing, with his presence also allowing Colwill to feature in the middle of the defence where he is strongest.