Premier League 2019-20: 3 most disappointing Chelsea players in 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester United

Manchester United v Chelsea FC - Premier League

Chelsea were brilliant throughout the pre-season campaign, losing just once from seven matches. Surprisingly though, the Blues suffered a heavy defeat in their opening Premier League game.

Both Manchester United and Chelsea struggled to score in an equally contested first half. However, the Red Devils managed to score a goal from the spot in the 18th minute, courtesy Marcus Rashford.

Unfortunately for Chelsea, Manchester United put in three goals in the second half and ultimately ended the Blues's hopes of salvaging a point. Rashford added another while Anthony Martial and Daniel James also got into the act, turning the match into a slaughter.

Chelsea had promising moments as Emerson and Tammy Abraham hit the bar during the first half. However, the Blues' defense was simply disastrous in the second half.

Frank Lampard's men conceded eight goals over the club's last four friendly games. Thus, Chelsea's defensive issues have been prevalent right since the pre-season.

Now, let us take a look at three players who cost Chelsea their opening Premier League game.

1. Cesar Azpilicueta

Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta has been the Blues' undisputed starter in the last four Premier League seasons. Bought for just €8 million in 2012, Azpilicueta has been instrumental in shoring up Chelsea's defense. He was one of the club's best performers last season, amassing 38 appearances as a starter and helping the club put together an excellent defensive record.

However, Chelsea struggled to maintain a solid defense when the 29-year-old was not having his best day. The former Marseille star's performance was just about decent throughout the pre-season campaign, and that continued in the season opener.

Against Manchester United, Azpilicueta was inconsistent, with two contrasting halves. He was rock solid during the first half and was not at fault for Rashford's penalty goal. But unfortunately, he was one of Chelsea's worst players in the second half.

He was directly responsible for the second goal after failing to mark Martial. The Spaniard also did little to prevent Rashford from scoring the third goal.

Azpilicueta is now 29 years old and barely has competition at right-back. Thus, Chelsea might need to search for a new defender in the next transfer window.

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2. Jorginho

Jorginho was Maurizio Sarri's favorite player last season, amassing 37 Premier League starts. Many even expected the former Napoli player to depart from Chelsea after Sarri decided to sign for Juventus.

Surprisingly though, Jorginho stayed at his current club and was regularly featured in the Blues' pre-season campaign.

He did not have any particular problem in Chelsea friendly games. However, against Manchester United, the 27-year-old failed to provide sufficient protection for the Chelsea midfield and was pretty much outshone by Mateo Kovacic.

Jorginho did make several excellent passes. However, he recorded just one successful tackle and was dribbled four times throughout the game.

Lampard seemed to notice Jorginho's woeful defending and decided to replace the Italian with N'Golo Kante, who is known to have excellent defensive capabilities.

Jorginho was criticized for his woeful defending last season too. The Italian's position will surely come under threat if he is not willing to sharpen his defensive skills.

3. Kurt Zouma

The Frenchman has spent most of his Premier League career as Chelsea's bench-warmer since he joined from Saint-Etienne in 2014. However, he had a successful loan spell with Everton last season, amassing 29 Premier League starts and forming a formidable partnership with Michael Keane.

Despite Zouma's impressive form, Everton did not sign the 24-year-old permanently. And surprisingly, Lampard has put enormous trust in Zouma since the defender came back to Chelsea.

He regularly appeared in Chelsea's pre-season games, and Lampard even decided to let go of David Luiz to make space for the 24-year-old. Sadly, Zouma failed to pay Lampard's trust in the United game as he was arguably the worst player on the pitch.

He made a reckless challenge in the 17th minute, which resulted in Rashford's penalty goal. The Frenchman also picked up a yellow card a few minutes later and looked hesitant to make tackles at times. Throughout the game, Zouma recorded just one successful tackle and won just two aerial duels.

Edited by Musab Abid