Sports
‘Garbage’ Alejandro Garnacho and Liam Delap Must be Axed
Chelsea closed out 2025 by dropping more Premier League points, drawing 2-2 at home against Bournemouth. And two players must be dropped from the starting line-up after their disappointing displays.
Despite Andoni Iraola’s side going two months without a win, it was the Cherries who made the better start as David Brooks poked home from close range. But Cole Palmer then equalised for the hosts from the penalty spot after Estevao Willian was fouled by Antoine Semenyo.
Shortly after, Chelsea took the lead thanks to an exquisite finish from Enzo Fernandez. But their lead lasted just four minutes as Justin Kluivert then scored from a long throw.
Enzo Maresca made two changes at half-time, hoping to gain more control in the game. Estevao nearly conjured a goal just before the hour mark but his cut back was deflected just wide by a backtracking Marcos Senesi defender, but the Blues lacked inspiration. They were even fortunate not to lose the game late on after Enes Unal lifted a late Bournemouth chance over the bar from close range.
Enzo Maresca Addresses Cole Palmer’s Behaviour vs Aston Villa As Footage Emerges
The Blues attacker wasn’t happy.
Alejandro Garnacho And Liam Delap Both Fall Flat Against Bournemouth
During Chelsea’s 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa, Alejandro Garnacho was on the receiving end of some scathing criticism from supporters who believed that he had squandered multiple opportunities. But Maresca persisted with the Argentine on Tuesday night, with him lining up on the opposite flank to highly-rated teenager Estevao.
If you asked a fan which player had been playing in the Premier League longer following their result against the Cherries, chances are that very few would have picked the former Manchester United winger. While the Brazilian was a live wire throughout, Garnacho was clumsy in possession outside of laying the ball back for Fernandez’s goal.
His concentration cost Chelsea twice as he lost his man for both of Bournemouth’s goals, something which also cost the Blues against Brentford earlier in the season. And at the opposite end, his attacking output left a lot to be desired, with him losing possession eight times and failing to complete any of his three dribble attempts.
Maresca had seen enough at half-time, deciding to hook Garnacho and bringing on Pedro Neto. But the head coach will be equally frustrated with Liam Delap’s performance, as the striker barely offered any attacking threat throughout the game.
The club thought they were signing an old-fashioned number nine who could link play well and bully defenders with his back to goal. On Tuesday, though, Delap didn’t really do any of that. Ghosting for much of the tie, he had a golden chance to score in the second half when he was left unmarked in the box for a header. But he could only direct the ball over the bar, leaving many at Stamford Bridge exasperated.
Both summer signings haven’t really managed to get off the mark, managing just three Premier League goal contributions between them — all from Garnacho. With Chelsea enduring a slump for most of December and with Maresca in need of more attacking spark, it’s time to drop both players for alternative options.
Chelsea Fans Rage Over ‘Horrendous’ Displays From Garnacho and Delap
Exasperated by the team’s poor form and the displays by both men against Bournemouth, supporters have torn into both Garnacho and Delap. One, reacting in the immediate aftermath of Bournemouth’s second goal, wrote: “Garnacho you imbecile you need to concentrate and not lose your man for 10 seconds why is that so hard.”
One more, again focusing on the Argentine, stated: “Garnacho is actually garbage man.” While another has already cast a verdict on the summer signing, stating: “Garnacho top two worst signings ever in Chelsea history.”
Other supporters chose to focus their ire on Liam Delap’s display. One said: “I don’t see Liam Delap having a long Chelsea career. He just doesn’t have it I’m afraid.” And someone else questioned the point in playing the England under-21 striker, saying: “Can someone explain what Liam Delap brings to the team, Nico [Jackson] lacked finishing but had other skills sets, Liam lacking everything atm.”
Another, focusing on both players, wrote: “I can’t watch Garnacho for another five months. Horrendous every single week. Same for Delap.” And a final fan added: “I’m being forced against my will to watch Garnacho and Delap.”
