Giving up a 2-goal lead after some woeful finishes which included a penalty miss from Raheem Sterling, the afternoon could have turned out worse with the home crowd turning on the team.
Already 29-years of age, the England international is at the ripe age to be the team’s leader in attack and his wages suggest that as well but Sterling’s recent performances have left much to be desired.
Starting the game off the left with Mudryk playing in the number “10” role as he’s done recently, Sterling found it hard to get into the game early on with the spaces being in transition and through the middle as Leicester looked to press Pochettino’s men high up the pitch.
Completing 1/4 dribbles and wining 3/8 ground duels, Sterling’s languid attitude off the ball did annoy many on-looking fans.
Despite being one of the team’s main creators (one assist today), Sterling’s wastefulness in front of goal and inconsistency all season long, has left a dent on his otherwise brilliant Chelsea career so far (6 goals, 3 assists this season).
Considering the upturn in form of Mudryk, it remains baffling as to why Pochettino has decided to continue to stick with Sterling, all to the annoyance of the Chelsea faithfuls.
Plus, starting Sterling consistently over the likes of Mudryk and Madueke, counters the constant “project” talk that Pochettino says to the media.
The Chelsea coach is prioritising the wrong players, and contradicts himself.
With the March international break up next and the season’s final lap after that, It remains to be seen what Pochettino decides to do with Sterling as the margins for errors gets slimmer by each game.