Ian Wright thinks Marc Cucurella performed admirably up against Bukayo Saka during Chelsea’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal.
For a number of seasons now, Bukayo Saka is proving to be one of the top dogs in the Premier League for Arsenal, as well as for his country.
That’s why trying to stop him from making an impact in the game is pretty difficult to do.
Yes, the Hale-End star provided a wicked cross for Leandro Trossard’s equaliser, but that fault was more aimed at Marc Cucurella’s teammates than the Chelsea left-back himself.
Either way, Ian Wright thinks the £60m Chelsea defender (Sky Sports) ‘wasn’t giving him no opportunity’ during the game, as he told Premier League Productions (21/10/23 at 6:25 pm).
A number of weeks ago, you would have thought such a contest was a mismatch, but it’s amazing how much a boost of confidence can do to you.
Life has been pretty tough for Marc Cucurella since his transfer to Chelsea last summer, but before the international break, he was brought back into the XI and he hasn’t looked back since.
Marc Cucurella v Bukayo Saka
“It’s not so much what’s gone wrong with Arsenal,” said Wright. “I have to give Chelsea credit. They defended and defended well. They know Arsenal want to play out from the back.
“You can see how narrow it is. Look Cucurella is. Look where Gusto is. They are quite narrow.
“And now when the ball goes here (to Saka’s side). Saka is going to be a bit isolated, but Cucurella does well.
“That’s what he has been doing all game. He isn’t giving him no opportunity to get on the ball, Saka. We can’t get them into 1 on 1 situation.”
Marc Cucurella deserves a chance
A number of Chelsea players fell flat on their faces last season, many have paid the price and been sold.
But Cucurella deserves another shot at proving his worth because he is showing signs that he can climb that ladder again.
At the end of the day, if the Spanish star can showcase the form he produced at Brighton, then Chelsea have a top, top player on their hands.
But his only issue is that he can’t afford any more slip-ups because he has had many more already.
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