The Standard Group Plc is a multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key influence in matters of national and international interest.

Standard Group Plc HQ Office,
The Standard Group Center,Mombasa Road.
P.O Box 30080-00100,Nairobi, Kenya.
Telephone number: 0203222111, 0719012111
Email: [email protected]

NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS

The Nairobian

Wenger sends powerful message to Chelsea- predicts Blues’ final Premier League position

Football

By Mirror | Feb 23, 2021

**Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - April 26, 2018 Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger** [REUTERS]

Former Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes Chelsea will fall "a fraction short of top four" this season, despite Thomas Tuchel going unbeaten in his first six Premier League games in charge.

The Blues have won four and drawn two since appointing Tuchel as Frank Lampard's successor and they currently sit fifth in the table, two points off the top four.

However, speaking after Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Southampton on Saturday, Wenger called their performance "worrying", telling beIN Sports: "I would say it's a fair result with one team happier than the other one.

"Southampton certainly the happier after stopping their losing slump.

"What's a bit worrying for Chelsea is they were not at their best, which happens in this league, but you don't feel a huge potential in there, not on the tactical side nor on the physical side nor on the aggressive side nor on the organisational side.

Keep Reading

"I looked at their number of points, on that run they will make 63 points. That could be a fraction short of top four. I just think they made 43 points out of 25 games and on that average it gets you to 63 and 63 usually you're out [of the top four].

"They can of course have a great run but today their game was a bit frustrating for them. They didn't find the fluency to put Southampton under pressure."

Chelsea's new head coach Thomas Tuchel reacts during the English Premier League soccer match between Chelsea and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London, England, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021. (AP )

Speaking after the draw, Tuchel said: "We created a lot of opportunities that did not become opportunities.

"We opened a lot of space for our attackers and for the last passes but the decision-making and the determination and the timing was not good enough to create more chances and be more decisive.

"We needed a penalty to score. In the second half we had more touches in the box but when we created something we lacked precision to finish it. We lacked composure and we could not win the decisive one-on-ones.

"In the first 80 metres we did not allow any counter-attacks or difficult situations apart from once when they scored. The last 20 metres were not good enough for us."