Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo came under fire after their “terrible” performance in the middle of the park during Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton on Tuesday night.
The Blues’ midfield duo, who joined Stamford Bridge for a total of more than £220 million, showed no control as the Seagulls dominated the encounter at the American Express Stadium.
The defeat was a historic low for the London club, who went five games without scoring in the Premier League, their worst run since 1912.
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Chelsea duo Enzo Fernandes and Moises Caicedo slam down
Veteran commentator John Southall was generous in his praise of the two midfielders during the live broadcast.
With Brighton’s Carlos Baleva, who has been linked with Man United, dictating the tempo of the match, Southall pointed to the stark contrast between the expensive visiting side and the hosts.
Southall said (via BBC Sport Live):
“If you think about Fernandes and Caicedo in the middle of the pitch, two players of such talent and the money spent on them… they were overshadowed tonight.
“Fernandes had a bad night. If you look at the numbers opposite him, Baleva was by far the better player of the two.”
Caicedo’s return to his former club was particularly disastrous. Brighton’s second goal was the fault of the Ecuadorian, scored by Jack Hinshelwood after losing the ball in a dangerous area.
The home crowd enjoyed the former star’s efforts, with Roberto Sanchez and Marc Cucurella also receiving a hostile reception.
Chelsea’s crushing defeat continues, with Champions League qualification out of reach.
The 3-0 humiliation leaves Liam Rosenior’s side in seventh place, seven points off the Champions League places with four games remaining.
Since Paris Saint-Germain were kicked out of Europe earlier this month, their domestic campaign has completely collapsed.
Goals from Ferdi Kaddooglu, Hinshelwood and Danny Welbeck clinched victory, moving Brighton past Chelsea into sixth place.
There is a slight chance of redemption in the FA Cup semi-final against Leeds United at Wembley, but all eyes are on a team that appears to lack confidence and identity despite an unprecedented level of investment.
