Former Premier League striker Chris Sutton was critical over the performance of Romelu Lukaku during Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Belgium international came into the game on the back of a poor record against top-six opposition, and he struggled to make much of an impact alongside Marcus Rashford upfront.
In a report covered by The Mail, Sutton was disappointed with how Lukaku was bullied by both Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta at the heart of the Blues’ defence. Azpilicueta, in particular, made several interceptions in front of Lukaku, who eventually failed to produce a single touch in the opposition box.
“At 6ft 3in, Romelu Lukaku is one of the most physically imposing forwards in the Premier League. Yet he was bullied all afternoon by Andreas Christensen — on only his fourth league start for Chelsea — and Cesar Azpilicueta who is almost half a foot shorter,” he told The Mail.
“The accusation levelled at Lukaku is that he does not turn up for the big games. ‘I do not like calling players out for a lack of effort but on this evidence, it is hard to argue.”
Lukaku has now gone seven games without scoring for United, but Mourinho has nevertheless backed his striker claiming that he offers more than just goals.
The Belgian’s form has declined in the injury absence of Paul Pogba, and the Frenchman’s comeback could bring a change of fortunes with his brilliant link-up play with the frontmen.
Apart from Lukaku, Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s form has also been a cause of concern with minimal contribution in the last six matches – after notching one goal and five assists in the first five games of the campaign.
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