This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Enzo Fernandez shows his frustration at the Emirates. (Image: Getty)
The trials and tribulations of Chelsea in the past two seasons have been aptly summed up by a damning statistic surrounding Enzo Fernandez. Tuesday night proved the latest chastening result in what has been a chaotic campaign for the Blues, hammered 5-0 by London rivals Arsenal.
Fernandez delivered the latest in a long line of ineffective displays, blowing a golden chance to level matters in the first half as he fired wide from inside the area. He was duly hauled off by Mauricio Pochettino just 67 minutes in, moments before the Gunners added their fifth and final goal of the night.
His personal stats are reflected by his side’s previous and current league position. Despite owner Todd Boehly spending more than £1billion during his 17-month tenure, Chelsea laboured to 12th in the 2022/23 campaign and lie ninth this time around, with their hopes of European football hanging by a thread.
Fernandez signed for Chelsea after impressing for Argentina at the 2022 World Cup. (Image: Getty)
The midfielder arrived at Stamford Bridge having been lauded for his role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup win in Qatar. After his country's penalty shootout win in the final against France, the 23-year-old was named the young player of the tournament, with Chelsea then proceeding to beat a host of clubs to his signature the following month.
But ahead of his side’s chastening night at the Emirates, Pochettino vehemently defended Fernandez amid comparisons to Arsenal’s own three-figure signing, Declan Rice. He argued that outside factors needed to be taken into account when analysing the struggles of the River Plate youth product.
"Declan Rice was playing for West Ham, an English guy who knows the Premier League, knows the language," said the 52-year-old. "For Enzo, after the World Cup to arrive here, in a team that was inconsistent, difficult to get positive results, always it was really difficult.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"In summer he was involved in too many games and he arrived late in pre-season, hasn't had a holiday in the last two years. Too many negative things happened. (It was) difficult for him to adapt, his family. It's not easy to adapt and perform so quick."
Fernandez has made 40 club appearances this season, scoring just seven times. And he will be desperate for his form and Chelsea's results to pick up as he looks to make a success of his time in England.
