OPINION
Chelsea continued their fine run of form in the Europa League, beating Dynamo Kiev 3-0 at Stamford Bridge, with goals from Pedro, Willian and Callum Hudson-Odoi. However, not everyone got plaudits for their display and midfielder Mateo Kovacic came in for some harsh criticism on Twitter. He’s often accused of not doing much and that was in evidence again on Thursday night – he didn’t create much in the way of chances, and looked off the pace and clumsy later on in the game. This was picked up on by fans, with many saying they can’t understand how he starts ahead of Ruben Loftus-Cheek. One fan went even further and said he was a “disgrace” offensively. Loftus-Cheek came on in the 62nd minute for Jorginho and made Hudson-Odoi’s goal in the 90th minute (another player that Chelsea fans are keen to see much more of). Still, the result itself was pleasing to all Chelsea fans, especially as Arsenal had a nightmare in France, losing 3-1 to Rennes.
Here are the best reactions from Chelsea fans to Kovacic’s display in the Europa League:
What exactly does Kovacic do for Chelsea
— The Last OG (@OG_Kingpin) March 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/MrMeeds/status/1103895454163464192
https://twitter.com/CoolishaMick/status/1103889103576154113
Angers me how little game time he’s had. Needs much more PL starts. 20 min cameos aren’t gonna convince him to stay. He’s far better than Barkley and Kovacic so there’s no excuses
— Dev ?? (@devsbluearmy) March 8, 2019
https://twitter.com/Kambaijr/status/1103858140225986560
@mrjakehumphrey asking the perfect question on CHO & @GlennHoddle replies “He needs to play more…”
For me, Hoddle also makes the right noises when he comments that he doesn’t understand Kovacic getting ahead of RLC…..#CFC
— Vialli's Chelsea FC (@VialliChelseaFC) March 7, 2019
I have no clue how #RLC doesn't start a game over Kovacic and Barkley. Man just created 2 goals in 30 mins. #CHEDYN #CFC
— Kirk Coutinho (@ksac21) March 7, 2019
Kovacic has no concentration at all #CFC
— Ryan 'Rupert' Rae (@RaeMysterioooo) March 7, 2019
Kovacic just a fast Drinkwater #cfc
— kanté west (@darealkantewest) March 7, 2019
https://twitter.com/ChelsFinest/status/1103774215466033152