The defensive duo of Kurt Zouma and Branislav Ivanovi were guilty of allowing Newcastle United striker Ayoze P rez far too much time in the box for the Magpies’ first goal, and were subjected to criticism from Chelsea FC fans on social media
In a season where Chelsea FC appear to take two steps back with every step forward, another poor display — this time at St.James’ Park against Newcastle United — left Blues fans livid. Earlier, Manchester City had been dismantled by Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, presenting an opportunity for Jos Mourinho’s men to close to the gap on the Citizens to 6 points.
However, a late fightback from the defending champions was not enough to earn all three points, as Newcastle United held on to a well-deserved draw.
Ivanovi and Zouma panned for defensive error, Ramires praised
Even though Steve McLaren’s men probably had the better of a first-half that had no clear-cut chances for either side, the manner in which the Magpies’ goal came about just before half-time would have left Chelsea FC manager Jos Mourinho seething.
A lack of communication between the Serbian and the young Frenchman allowed Ayoze P rez to have a free shot in the box, giving Blues keeper Asmir Begovi absolutely no chance. Zouma, in particular, was guilty of ball-watching as he inexplicably failed to head the ball clear, allowing it to sail over his head, straight to the Newcastle forward.
Ramires, on the other hand, received a lot of praise for his game-changing display in the second-half. The Brazilian scored a stunning goal from outside the box to give the Blues hope, before being involved again in distracting Newcastle keeper Tim Krul for Willian’s equaliser from a free-kick.
Zouma – Ivanovic error there you can easily blame on just not being used to working together. Ivanovic, as the experienced man, very poor.
a Timothy Poole (@TimPooleSport) September 26, 2015
Zouma was out of position too. Stepped into LCB’s zone. Even if he jumped, he would’ve missed the ball. The reason why he never jumped!
a Vaibhav (@Vai08lampard) . September 26, 2015
Dreadful first half, no spark anywhere. Some truly horrific defending from Zouma and Ivanovic. No organisation throughout.
a Charlie Skillen (@charlieskillen) September 26, 2015
Put Terry on for Ivanovic, move Zouma to right back. Bring Ramires on for Fabregas or Matic; either one.
a Chelsea Activity (@ChelseaActivity) September 26, 2015
Zouma on that goal: http://t.co/5froVpL1oc
a Graham MacAree (@MacAree) September 26, 2015
Ivanovic is meant to be our captain currently, help Zouma out with some communication!
a CarefreeYouth (@CarefreeYouth) September 26, 2015
Amazing how quickly ‘Terry on the bench’ has lost its novelty but Zouma is far too raw for the succession to be smooth. #cfc
a Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) September 26, 2015
Zouma and Ivanovic could have done with a deflection tactic there.
a Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) September 26, 2015
What about Ramires though? Hated when our fans wanted him out. Love him.
a Z r r. (@EdenHazardShow) September 26, 2015
Willian & Ramires played for the shirt when they came on. Know how, ambition, bottle. Jos has more thinking to do.
a Mark Worrall (@gate17marco) September 26, 2015
A THREE-man central midfield of Ramires, Matic, Fabregas. How have we not tried this? Oscar can play wide on the road. Mikel underused too.
a Grant James (@GrantJames_CFC) September 26, 2015
That goal was for you, my boy!!! O gol foi pra vocA? meu filho!! Let’s keep on fighting until the end! #Bruno #CFC pic.twitter.com/jZWbIfVzqd
a Ramires (@Rami7oficial) September 26, 2015
What a fockina goal. @Rami7oficial https://t.co/hRB3RnsEMD
a Chelsea Activity (@ChelseaActivity) September 26, 2015