Jamie Carragher Predicts Manager’s Dismissal After Chelsea Match Incident

Jamie Carragher has humorously suggested that Chelsea might consider dismissing their set-piece coach after a recent match against Bournemouth. Chelsea faced difficulties defending against set-pieces during this game, allowing two goals from long throw-ins.

Chelsea’s Set-Piece Struggles

In the contest, David Brooks capitalized on Chelsea’s defensive errors to score a goal after a chaotic sequence involving a long throw. Although Cole Palmer equalized from the penalty spot shortly after, Chelsea soon fell behind again as another cross allowed Justin Kluivert to score.

• Goals Against Chelsea:
  • David Brooks (scrappy goal)
  • Justin Kluivert (header)
• Goals by Chelsea:
  • Cole Palmer (penalty)
  • Enzo Fernandez (initial lead)

Despite this setback, Carragher noted Chelsea’s overall success from set-pieces this season. With Bernardo Cueva at the helm, Chelsea ranks fifth in the Premier League for non-penalty set-piece goal difference. They had scored significantly more than they conceded this season.

Competitive Landscape of Set-Piece Performance

Statistics from Opta highlight that while Chelsea has conceded seven goals from set-pieces prior to this match, teams like Newcastle and Liverpool have fared worse, with Liverpool conceding twelve. This puts Chelsea in a relatively strong position in comparison.

Aaron Briggs’ Departure from Liverpool

Simultaneously, Liverpool has made headlines with the dismissal of their set-piece coach, Aaron Briggs. Following a series of poor performances resulting from dead-ball situations, Liverpool decided to part ways with Briggs, who joined the club earlier in July.

• Briggs’ Contributions:
  • Joined as individual development coach.
  • Part of the coaching staff during Liverpool’s Premier League title win.
• Liverpool’s Set-Piece Issues:
  • 12 goals conceded from set-pieces this season.
  • Most in Europe’s top five leagues, excluding penalties.

Briggs leaves with Liverpool’s best wishes, while Chelsea has strengthened their coaching staff by hiring Cueva after his successful stint at Brentford.

Phil Giles, Brentford’s director of football, praised Cueva’s work, noting his impact on their strategies, especially regarding set-pieces.