Shocking: Chelsea’s lowest rated player was dispossessed 5 times in Brighton defeat | OneFootball

Chelsea’s defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup last night was full of disappointing performances on the Blues’ side.

They did open the scoring, thanks to a horrible error from Bart Verbruggen, but after that they failed to really get into gear and were soon turned around by the home side. Enzo Maresca’s men once again put up pathetically little fight as the home team beat them.

There were no good performances out there really, and you can tell that by looking at the WhoScored stats from the game. The top rated Blue was Moises Caicedo with a 7.1, and that’s fair enough. He continues to be solid even then those around him struggle. Apart from him, most players are a 5 or 6.

The lowest rated outfield player was Malo Gusto with a 5.8. He came in to replace the rested Reece James but ended up offering neither solidity in defence or danger in attack. It continues his increasingly calamitous drop off in form over the last year.

According to the stats, he was dispossessed 5 times, the most on the team, and made 2 crosses, neither of which found their mark. His 1 tackle, 2 clearances and 0 interceptions or blocks show how little of an impact he had.

Gusto’s drop off a real worry

Malo Gusto playing against Everton. (Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

It’s hard to believe this is the same guy who was considered the second best buy of these sporting directors after Cole Palmer at one point. We’ve repeatedly blamed the manager and his system for Gusto’s struggles, but the player has to take some blame too.

Gusto was not the only culprit – Christopher Nkunku was far too passive and quiet up top, Jadon Sancho checked back inside time and again. Kiernan Dewbury-Hall did nothing, even ColePalmer had another quiet game.

The more games this team plays under Maresca, the worse they seem to get.