Liam Delap Frustrated by Chelsea Role in Carabao Cup Exit

Liam Delap’s Winger Role Raises Questions After Chelsea’s Carabao Cup Loss

Liam Delap’s deployment as a right winger was a central talking point following Chelsea’s disappointing Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Former Blues legend Ruud Gullit expressed concern that Delap “was not happy” with his unaccustomed wide role, which contributed to Chelsea’s lacklustre attacking display.

Liam Delap and Chelsea’s Tactical Gamble in the Carabao Cup

Chelsea approached the second leg trailing 3-2 on aggregate, needing a strong performance to overturn the deficit and book their place at Wembley. Manager Liam Rosenior made a bold decision by starting Delap, typically a central striker, on the right wing. However, the tactic struggled to produce results against a disciplined Arsenal defense.

Kai Havertz’s late goal sealed a 1-0 win for Arsenal on the night and a 4-2 aggregate victory, dashing Chelsea’s hopes of silverware. The Blues’ approach came under fire post-match, with pundit Paul Merson remarking that they “played like a bottom four team.”

Liam Delap’s Struggles Highlight Chelsea’s Attacking Woes

Gullit, analyzing the match, highlighted how Delap’s positioning limited Chelsea’s threat in attack. “Liam Delap was not happy with starting on the right wing against Arsenal. Rosenior played him there for long balls, but he looked out of place,” Gullit told Gambling Insider. He added that Delap’s natural instincts as a striker were wasted, especially as Joao Pedro appeared isolated up front.

Chelsea’s creative spark only flickered after the introduction of Cole Palmer and Estevao in the 60th minute, but by then Arsenal had begun to retreat and manage their lead. Despite Chelsea’s late surge, opportunities were scarce and confidence was visibly low.

Managerial Defense and Pundit Criticism

Rosenior defended his tactics, emphasizing the psychological demands of the tie. “You can come away from home, press all over the pitch, and risk conceding early. I felt the psychological aspect was key. We brought on Palmer and Estevao and had some moments, but in the end, it’s about results,” he explained.

Contrarily, Gullit and Paul Merson questioned the lack of creativity and attacking intent, noting that Chelsea failed to trouble Arsenal’s defense for much of the game. “Chelsea took too long to be brave. There was no creativity throughout the match,” Gullit concluded.

Liam Delap’s Chelsea Future Under Scrutiny

Delap, a £30 million summer signing, has yet to consistently impress in a Chelsea shirt. With only one Premier League goal to his name, doubts are growing about his adaptation to life at Stamford Bridge. Former striker Troy Deeney echoed these concerns, suggesting Delap appeared burdened and in need of a mental reset.

“He doesn’t look like he’s playing with any fun. It feels heavy, like he needs a break. Maybe it’s the injuries, maybe the transfer pressure. He just looks like he needs the summer to recharge,” Deeney shared on the Football Xchange podcast.

What’s Next for Chelsea and Delap?

With their Carabao Cup campaign over, Chelsea now turn their focus back to the Premier League, where they will face Wolves at Molineux in their upcoming fixture. The match presents an opportunity for both the team and Delap to find their rhythm and bounce back from recent setbacks.

For supporters seeking to track Chelsea’s progress and the developments around Delap’s role, visit for more news and insights throughout the remainder of the season.

Opinion: A Missed Opportunity for Player and Club

Delap’s deployment on the wing was a tactical risk that failed to pay off for Chelsea. While managers often experiment in crucial matches, playing a natural striker out of position can stifle both individual impact and overall team fluidity. As Chelsea fight to salvage their season, finding the right balance for Delap’s talents could be key to rediscovering their attacking edge.