Marc Cucurella had a difficult evening as Chelsea fell to Manchester City 1-0 at home in the Premier League.
The underwhelming performance of Chelsea left-back Marc Cucurella caused post-match tension between Jamie Carragher and Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink after Manchester City won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard was solid in the first half, but City ruthlessly exposed him after the break as they went for the throat.
Riyad Mahrez scored the game-winning goal at the back post after Jack Grealish slid the ball across the face of goal.
Cucurella should have followed his runner, but Kept Arrizabalaga was also at fault for failing to claim the low cross.
Cucurella, who cost Chelsea £63 million from Brighton in the summer transfer window, did not impress Carragher.
"I wasn't happy with Cucurella throughout that second half," the ex-Liverpool defender told Sky Sports.
Premier League - Chelsea FC vs. Manchester City
"When it comes to the price tag, he can't defend himself. During the game, I kept an eye on him.
"When it comes to someone who can't defend, I believe that someone who doesn't want to defend is worse.
"It appeared that he didn't want to defend in one-on-one situations."
"I disagree, I think he wants to defend, but Manchester City just targeted him," Hasselbaink added.
"But when someone dives in, Jimmy, let me tell you from a defender's point of view, when you dive in, it's because you don't want to defend," Carragher responded."You have to defend properly, and you have to stay on your feet."
"I think his defending is bad, but he was overloaded as well, and he didn't get the help you should get," the former Chelsea striker responded. I don't disagree with you."
"Well, I think you are," Carragher joked.
"I still think he wants to defend, but I just think he had a really bad game, Manchester City acknowledged that," the Dutchman said. That side received 50% of their attacks. That's aimed at him.
"I still don't think he's a good defender if he wants to defend."Following Arsenal's 0-0 draw with Newcastle on Tuesday, City reduced the gap at the top to five points.
Pep Guardiola's team responded admirably to their disappointing 1-1 draw with Everton on New Year's Eve.
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