In the EFL Cup quarterfinal on Tuesday, Chelsea’s record signing, Gordon, stirred controversy by receiving a yellow card, with widespread belief that it warranted a red card. Despite concerns over a potentially dangerous tackle, Gordon remained on the field until an injury forced him off, and Matt Ritchie took his place.
Social media buzzed with fan dissatisfaction, using phrases like “Dirty challenge” and “That’s bad.” Observers highlighted the contentious tackle where Caicedo’s studs connected with the back of Gordon’s legs, with many insisting it deserved a red card. One supporter remarked, “He’s lucky to be on the pitch.”
Although Chelsea seemingly avoided further consequences, defensive lapses led to Callum Wilson capitalizing in the sixteenth minute. Mauricio Pochettino’s revamped team faced criticism for their defensive performance, diverting attention between the goal and the contentious Caicedo incident.
The debate surrounding Caicedo’s tackle underscored the absence of VAR in the EFL Cup, unlike its application in Premier League domestic competitions. Fans expressed relief that VAR wasn’t in play, with one stating, “So far, Chelsea is benefiting from the lack of VAR.”
Caicedo, the 22-year-old Ecuadorian player, encountered ongoing challenges since joining Chelsea in the summer. A viewer expressed concern about his first-half performance, stating, “Caicedo is a major worry for Chelsea, looks overwhelmed in there.” Despite these persistent challenges, Chelsea found themselves under scrutiny for defensive lapses and caught in controversy surrounding Gordon’s yellow card during the EFL Cup quarterfinal.
