OPINION
Cesar Azpilicueta has had a difficult season so far, in Maurizio Sarri’s first year in charge at Stamford Bridge, with the Spaniard seemingly dropping the levels he showed when he was instrumental in Chelsea’s title win under Antonio Conte. The 29-year-old has found himself exposed at time this season in his right-back position, with Sarri preferring a four-man defense, and Azpilicueta being used at right-back, rather than being used in one of the three-centre half positions he was predominantly used in under Conte. Azpilicueta struggled throughout the game against Manchester United at Old Trafford to deal with a United side showing increased energy from recent weeks. The pace and power of Romelu Lukaku running into the channels was something which at times Azpilicueta struggled to deal with. However, the Spanish international was not offered that much protection in front of him, which left him isolated against United’s attacking players. However, Chelsea and Azpilicueta improved after half time and managed to defend far better than they did in the opening 45 minutes, as they held Manchester United to a potentially vital 1-1 draw.
Thisisfutbol rounded up some of the best Twitter reactions below:
Azpi crossing garbage man
— Jordan. (@JordaanSZN) April 28, 2019
Azpilicueta is having a torrid time and I don't even have the confidence to ask for Zapacosta ?
— JERSEYS & FOOTWEARS (@Jibsman1) April 28, 2019
https://twitter.com/iam_jomsi/status/1122534307841675265
https://twitter.com/haryormeeddey/status/1122538089472307201
Yeah of course Lukaku would bully azpilicueta to get his self esteem up
— Sean McFarlane (@Seanmjr17) April 28, 2019
Azpilicueta is useless and he’s defeated in this game already, got bullied.
— “????????” (@boboskylarme) April 28, 2019
Can’t remember a worse performance from Azpilicueta tbh.
— John Carrafiell (@JohnCarrafiell) April 28, 2019