“Will need to be addressed” – Joe Cole concerned Arsenal could expose Chelsea weakness | OneFootball

Former Chelsea star Joe Cole hopes the Blues have addressed their issue of defending set pieces ahead of Sunday’s game with Arsenal.

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The Blues are looking for a first win against the Gunners since 2021, in what will be the fourth meeting between the sides this season.

The reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge ended in a draw, whilst Arsenal emerged victorious in both legs of the Carabao Cup semi final.

Joe Cole on Chelsea set piece defending

Chelsea have thrown away four points in their last two games against Leeds and Burnley, something Rosenior expressed his anger with.

The Blues conceded a last minute equaliser against Burnley as Zian Flemming headed home unmarked from a corner.

Chelsea have struggled with defending set pieces. (Photo by Jasper Wax/Getty Images)

Rosenior admitted afterwards a player marked the wrong man in the box, but the Blues still look weak at defending set pieces. 

Micah Richards labelled Chelsea’s defending from crosses as really poor, and Cole hopes they’ve addressed it ahead of their clash with the Gunners.

“They didn’t defend the set-pieces well for most of the game and that’s something that will need to be addressed [before Arsenal],” he said as quoted by Metro.

“When you’re making that many subs, the organisation has to be spot-on. The lads coming on have to be ready.”

Players must take responsibility

Chelsea’s set piece coach has received a lot of criticism, but Cole believes the players also need to take responsibility.

“It’s not just the set-piece coach or the coaching in general, the players have to take responsibility as well because with that many changes, you have to sort it out yourselves on the pitch,” he added.

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“You can’t just stop and look over to the bench.

“It’s about maturity and responsibility and that’s what cost Chelsea the game against Burnley.”

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