Garnacho’s Chelsea Struggles Continue After Tough West Ham Loss

Alejandro Garnacho’s Chelsea journey is facing mounting scrutiny after his confidence was described as “shot to pieces” following a difficult display against West Ham. Gary Neville, former Manchester United star and Sky Sports pundit, did not hold back in his assessment, suggesting Garnacho’s transition from Manchester United to Chelsea has been far from smooth.

Alejandro Garnacho’s Chelsea Struggles in the Premier League

Alejandro Garnacho made headlines when he left Manchester United for Chelsea in the summer of 2025 in a £40 million transfer. The move was expected to ignite his career, but instead, Garnacho has struggled to find consistent form at Stamford Bridge. In 26 appearances across all competitions this season, the Argentine winger has managed just six goals, with only a single strike in the Premier League. His latest outing against West Ham highlighted his current woes, as he was withdrawn at halftime with Chelsea trailing and the left side of their defense under severe pressure.

Neville’s Candid Assessment of Garnacho’s Performance

During Chelsea’s 3-2 defeat to West Ham, Gary Neville was on co-commentary duty and provided a frank appraisal of Garnacho’s situation. Speaking on his podcast, Neville said, “Alejandro Garnacho is a player who often divides opinion. Watching him against West Ham, his confidence seemed shot to pieces. Every time he got the ball, his instinct was to play it back or give it away, rarely looking to take on his marker.” Neville also noted that the entire Chelsea left flank struggled, with both Jorrel Hato and Benoit Badiashile enduring a tough first half alongside Garnacho.

Chelsea’s Tactical Changes and Squad Rotation

Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior made significant changes to the starting lineup following a Champions League victory over Napoli. Seven new faces were introduced, including Garnacho, Jamie Gittins, Liam Delap, and Hato. Neville acknowledged the bravery in Rosenior’s decision, commenting, “Many managers claim to trust their squads but rarely rotate. Rosenior put his faith in the players, but perhaps too many changes disrupted the team’s rhythm.” Despite an initial 2-0 deficit, Chelsea managed to rally, showing moments of quality and spirit, but ultimately fell short against a determined West Ham side.

Garnacho’s Adaptation and Future at Chelsea

The adaptation period for Alejandro Garnacho at Chelsea has become a challenge. The winger, once hailed for his directness and flair at Manchester United, now appears tentative and lacking in self-belief. With only one Premier League goal to his name, questions are being raised about his role in the squad and his ability to handle the pressure of a high-profile transfer. Neville’s comments have amplified the debate surrounding Garnacho, with fans and pundits alike eager to see whether he can rediscover his best form in west London.

Garnacho’s Chelsea Struggles: What’s Next?

Looking ahead, Chelsea sit fifth in the Premier League, just one point behind Manchester United in fourth. With Champions League qualification still within reach, Neville believes the Blues have enough talent to secure a top-five finish, stating, “Chelsea have shown they can win in tough situations, but they aren’t the finished article yet. They should be in the top five, but there’s work to be done, especially with integrating new signings like Garnacho.”

Chelsea are set to face Arsenal in the second leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final next, trailing 3-2 on aggregate. The upcoming cup and league fixtures present Garnacho with more opportunities to prove his worth and regain his confidence. For supporters eager to track Chelsea’s progress and Garnacho’s development, visit for more news and updates on the latest football stories.

Opinion: Time and Patience Needed for Garnacho

Alejandro Garnacho’s struggles at Chelsea are a reminder of the challenges young talents face when making high-profile moves. While his recent performances have drawn criticism, it’s important to remember that adaptation takes time. With the right support and patience from the club and its fans, Garnacho still has the potential to become a key player for Chelsea. The coming weeks will be crucial as both player and club look to turn a difficult period into a foundation for future success.