Jamie Carragher has suggested that Moises Caicedo let the comparisons with Declan Rice get to him during the heated clash between Chelsea and Arsenal yesterday.
Chelsea’s Caicedo and Arsenal’s Rice are two of the best midfielders in the world.
The clash with Arsenal was billed as the two engine room operators going head-to-head to end the debate.
Unfortunately, Caicedo was overzealous, and an ill-timed challenge on Gabriel Martinelli earned him a red card.
Carragher said (via Sky Sports): “He was really pumped up, I think we saw that right from the start of the game.
“I think the whole talk this week of Rice versus Caicedo got to him – understandably so.
“It’s a huge game, and he ends up getting himself involved in a challenge. Yes, it’s a red card, but it’s just daft to get involved in a tackle like that. He doesn’t need to.”
Caicedo’s rash challenge prevented him from shining in a game where Rice himself was quiet.
That moment of madness will be a learning curve for the young midfielder. Caicedo needs to curb his enthusiasm and better navigate his overwhelming physicality.
In the absence of his starting midfield partner, Reece James ran the show. The Blues took the fight to the Gunners despite playing a man down for a chunk of the game.
Chelsea secured a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge but will be missing arguably their best player of the season for crucial games against Leeds United, Bournemouth and Everton.
Thankfully, Andrey Santos is beginning to find his feet in Chelsea colours. He has the opportunity to stake a claim for a place in the starting XI in these coming games.
The Brazilian is poised to start against Leeds on Wednesday, with James set to be rested.
Dario Essugo’s return following a two-month lay-off also gives the Blues additional midfield cover.
