Jamie Redknapp says Enzo Fernandez ‘looked lost’ in Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat at Manchester City, while the Sky Pundit also said he was ‘sad’ for the World Cup winner.
Man City looked on cruise control during the match, taking an early lead through a well-worked goal from Julian Alvarez, who swiped a shot past Kepa Arrizabalaga to put the hosts ahead.
But the former Tottenham and Liverpool player appeared unimpressed with some of Chelsea’s players, including their marquee £107million January signing, Fernandez, before he claimed the match had a ‘testimonial feel’ to it.
Redknapp also gave his opinion on what Chelsea’s mentality will be going into this game, with the Blues currently sitting 12th in the league after a season they may want to forget.
With just two games of the season left to play, he said Frank Lampard’s players will be thinking: ‘We have to finish this game.’
Jamie Redknapp says Enzo Fernandez (centre) looked lost in his side’s 1-0 defeat at Man City on Sunday
Fernandez was signed by the Blues in January for £107million after his impressive World Cup campaign
But he failed to inspire Frank Lampard’s (left) side to victory today, with Chelsea now 12th in the league
‘I looked at Enzo in the midfield. We’ll give him the benefit of the doubt, he did well in the World Cup.
‘He looks lost, I feel a bit sorry for him. That seems to be the case for many players today.
‘I think the younger players will get as much experience as they can. It’s a tough one because you’re playing against the champions, it’s the parade.’
The 22-year-old has dazzled for his national side at the 2022 World Cup featuring in all of Argentina’s matches to become one of the most talked about players in the competition.
And Fernandez has played well for Lampard’s side, since joining in January, the Argentine has failed to spur his team forward today, making just 39 passes, a scratch on the 109 he played last Chelsea drew 2-2 with Nottingham Forest last week.
After Jorginho left in January, the midfielder arrived to replace him and has since made 15 league appearances for the Blues, but has only helped them win three of the games he has been involved in.
Despite spending £323m in January, the London club have underperformed, dropping to the second half of the table having lost 15 of their 36 games this campaign.
Meanwhile, City have already claimed the title after beating Arsenal 1-0 by Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Redknapp also claimed there was a ‘testimonial feel’ around today’s game, with the home side not wanting any damage ahead of their fast-approaching Champions League final clash with Inter Milan.
He also said that Lampard’s side will hope to end their difficult season.
Speaking of the hosts’ midfield, he added: ‘Man City certainly in midfield, Rico Lewis has been exceptional and so has Phil Foden.
Redknapp also claimed during the game that ‘Chelsea just want this season to be bad’
Chelsea gave Man City a guard of honor before the game after they mathematically won the title yesterday after Arsenal were beaten 1-0 by Nottingham Forest
Julian Alvarez scored the only goal of the match with a beautiful right footed strike on goal
There were euphoric scenes at full-time as City fans stormed the pitch at the Etihad Stadium
This was their third Premier League title in a row, with the club having been crowned English champions nine times in their history.
‘It’s a testimonial feeling to the game. It’s one of those where you don’t want to get injured if you’re a Man City player and Chelsea just want this season to end so badly.’
Chelsea now have a tough end to their season, with a trip away to Manchester United coming up in midweek before they welcome high-flying Newcastle to Stamford Bridge, where Eddie Howe’s side will be hoping to get of another win to cement their place in the top four.
Meanwhile, City also have some tough games coming up, playing Brighton in their final game of the season before taking on Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
Guardiola’s side take on Inter Milan on June 10 in the Champions League final as they bid to emulate the feats of their city rivals in 1999 and claim the treble this season.
News/Image Sources: Daily Mail
