Paul Merson
January 2026
Merson tore into Chelsea’s display after they lost 1-0 at the Emirates and went out 4-2 on aggregate, saying they “never had a go” and exited “with a whimper.” Havertz scored late to settle the tie. Chelsea created little, tested Kepa rarely, and posted modest chance creation (0.68 xG cited). Merson argued they should have taken risks to chase the final rather than drifting through the game.