Former Chelsea star Gus Poyet has highlighted two Blues players who disappointed him as their side suffered a huge blow in the Premier League title race at home to Chelsea. Danny Welbeck’s injury-time equaliser ensured that Brighton took away a point from Stamford Bridge and left the hosts eight points behind leaders Manchester City.
Gus Poyet highlights two Chelsea stars who disappointed in Brighton draw (Image: Getty Images)
Welbeck had only been on the pitch for 10 minutes when he headed the leveller past Mendy to secure a point.
It was a devastating goal for Chelsea, who had been forced further and further back into their defensive lines.
Their title challenge is now on life support, with City’s lead at the summit of the table looking increasing unsurmountable.
And Poyet, who won the FA Cup during his four years at Stamford Bridge as a player, was left disappointed with the performances of Mason Mount and Callum Hudson-Odoi.
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Chelsea are now eight points behind Manchester City in the table (Image: Express Sport)
Poyet had been asked about the first-half performance of Lukaku when he revealed his frustration at the duo operating behind the Belgian striker.
“It’s great to see a striker of that quality. He was winning the ball in the air, the way he linked the play, his first touch. He played for the rest of the team,” he told Amazon Prime.
“If [Mason] Mount and [Callum] Hudson-Odoi were in a better mood today they would be winning 2-0 or 3-0. But because of the other players they are not winning by more.
“Lukaku was excellent. Holding the ball, playing for the rest, unfortunately his team-mates didn’t do the right thing in those moments.”
Poyet was disappointed by Callum Hudson-Odoi's performance (Image: Getty Images)
Mount’s performance improved drastically after the break, but Hudson-Odoi squandered a golden chance to put the Blues two goals ahead.
The Englishman had gone through on goal when he attempted to pass to Mount but lost the ball, with Poyet confused at his decision making.
“I’m surprised he didn’t pass himself. It’s not like he’s behind the defender or tried to pass around the defender. He hit the defender straight away. That’s very strange,” Poyet said.
“Because normally the other player is too far away from you or you try to play too clever. He didn’t do one or the other. He hit the defender.”