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Chelsea missed Diego Costa versus Tottenham because Alvaro Morata cannot do role - McBride
CHELSEA missed Diego Costa in their victory over Tottenham yesterday because Alvaro Morata cannot do the role he used to do.
That is the opinion of former Fulham and Everton striker and pundit Brian McBride.
Chelsea beat London rivals Tottenham 2-1 in Spurs’ first Premier League game at their temporary home of Wembley.
Morata, a £70million signing from Real Madrid, started his first game for the Blues up front.
The Spaniard has replaced compatriot Costa, who is in Brazil and refusing to return to the club, after manager Antonio Conte told him he was no longer in his plans.
Chelsea news: Alvaro Morata cannot do the role Diego Costa did, says Brian McBride
Alvaro Morata is very good off his shoulder but he’s not someone who’s going to hold the ball up
Despite coming out on top, McBride believes Chelsea were not able to hold up the ball as well as they would if Costa was playing.
“Today, especially in that first half, you really saw how much they missed Diego Costa,” McBride said on ESPN FC.
“Alvaro Morata is very good off his shoulders, he’s good in tight spaces and has excellent footwork but he’s not someone who’s going to hold the ball up.
Chelsea news: Alvaro Morata cannot hold the ball up like Diego Costa, says Brian McBride
“Anytime the ball went up to him Tottenham always had someone on his back.
“Chelsea struggled to really get out, probably three or four times in the first half only.
“The difference was they were more clinical when they got their chances.”
Chelsea's next game is away to Everton this Sunday at Goodison Park.