Before Thursday’s 11pm deadline, Everton and Newcastle considered late moves to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea.
Ultimately, Thomas Tuchel decided to keep the England international at Stamford Bridge, although it looks as if the German is still far from happy with the 22-year-old just days after criticising him for a 27th minute red card in the 2-1 win over Leicester.
What’s the story?
Well, as Chelsea struggled to break West Ham down early on in today’s narrow 2-1 win at Stamford Bridge, Tuchel was seen reacting furiously after Gallagher failed to make a decision on the ball, spoiling an attack for the Blues.
As you can see above, the 49-year-old can be seen gesturing for the ball to go forward with his hands, before launching into a frustrated twirl on the touchline and shouting some more unintelligible words to himself.
It comes after Tuchel told Gallagher that he made a “very, very bad decision” when picking up a second yellow card inside just 27 minutes against the Foxes.
Before that outing, Chelsea suffered a 3-0 defeat to Leeds with Gallagher in the starting XI, where the man valued at £35m was strangely deployed in a defensive midfield position.
Last season, the Chelsea No.23 shone while playing in more of a No.10 role for Crystal Palace, registering 11 goal involvements in 34 Premier League appearances.
Conor Gallagher should’ve left for Aston Villa or Newcastle
In our view, Gallagher should have pushed to leave Chelsea in favour of a move to Everton or Newcastle – Crystal Palace and Aston Villa were also interested.
In truth, a return to Selhurst Park – where he shone under Patrick Vieira – would have probably made the most sense ahead of the World Cup in November.
Gallagher just doesn’t seem to be a good fit under Tuchel, who doesn’t appear to know what the Cobham academy graduate’s strengths are.
Hopefully, the Epsom-born midfielder can find a rhythm under the German soon.
If he doesn’t, it may cost him a place in the England squad under Gareth Southgate this winter.
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