Paul Merson rips into Joao Pedro live on air during Chelsea’s loss vs Sunderland
Paul Merson criticised Joao Pedro for his anaemic displays as Sunderland beat Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Chelsea started the brighter side and soon took the lead inside four minutes as summer signing from Man United Alejandro Garnacho finished neatly under Robin Roefs after a quick breakaway.
Sunderland have been the Premier League’s surprise package this season, though, and they did not lie down and accept their fate as Wilson Isidor bundled home an equaliser from a long-throw in the 22nd minute.
The second period saw the hosts dominate the ball but struggle to make clear-cut chances, and it eventually went Sunderland‘s way as Chemsdine Talbi scored an added-time winner to win it 2-1.
Joao Pedro struggled to make any sort of impact in attack on a tough day at Stamford Bridge for his side, and he was slated on live TV for his poor performance.
Merson slams Pedro for doing ‘absolutely nothing’
Speaking live on Sky Sports‘ Soccer Saturday programme at 4.30pm on Saturday (25 October), former England international and current pundit Merson was highly critical of Pedro’s performance as his side lost in the last minute.
He said: “He’s (Pedro) done absolutely nothing, I don’t think he’s touched the ball, They need to get him off.”
Then, when asked by programme host Simon Thomas to estimate how many times the Brazil international had touched the ball in the second half up to that point, Merson guessed “nine” and was told he was correct.
Pedro was eventually taken off five minutes from time for Tyrique George as he ended his afternoon game with no shots on goal, three touches in the Sunderland area and just three duels won from nine [Fotmob].
Pedro could soon be dropped for Liam Delap
Liam Delap went off injured in Chelsea’s August clash against Fulham, and has had to face around two months on the sidelines but is now nearing a return to action for Enzo Maresca’s side.
Maresca revealed in midweek that Delap will be fit to face Wolves in the Carabao Cup in midweek, and based off Pedro’s performance against Sunderland, many Blues fans may well be even more pleased to see the Englishman back and ready to play.
Delap’s return should see a more settled starting eleven take shape in the weeks to come, and Pedro could well be dropped with either Facundo Buonanotte or Enzo Fernandez playing at number 10 while Cole Palmer continues to recover.
Pedro has been shown more red cards (1) in his last seven Chelsea appearances than goals he has scored (0), and so Maresca may well be seriously debating whether to drop him for the next few games as Delap comes back in.