
Anderson haunts Newcastle to rescue draw for Forest
Elliot Anderson scores late equalizer to secure draw for Nottingham Forest against Newcastle
Chelsea's manager acknowledges Jason McAteer's assessment of Curtis Jones' weaknesses during their match at Anfield. Liverpool struggled defensively on the right side, particularly with Jones at right-back against Chelsea's attacks.
Chelsea boss confirms Jason McAteer was right about Curtis Jones weakness
Liverpool’s tactical issues down the right-hand side against Chelsea were impossible to ignore at Anfield, and Calum McFarlane’s comments after the match have now effectively confirmed what many supporters suspected during the game itself.
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Curtis Jones was deployed at right-back again by Arne Slot, but Chelsea repeatedly targeted the space around the Scouser, with Marc Cucurella causing problems throughout the afternoon.
Former Red Jason McAteer highlighted the issue immediately after the game, insisting the England international’s natural tendency to drift into midfield left Liverpool exposed defensively.
Now Chelsea’s interim head coach has openly admitted that was part of the plan.
Speaking via chelseafc.com after the 1-1 draw, McFarlane explained why Cucurella was used in such an aggressive and unusual role.
Jason McAteer highlighted Curtis Jones' defensive vulnerabilities, which were evident during the match against Chelsea.
Chelsea targeted the space around Curtis Jones, with Marc Cucurella creating significant problems for Liverpool's defense.
Liverpool faced tactical challenges on the right-hand side, particularly due to Curtis Jones' positioning at right-back.

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“He is not a winger, but he has played there before, he told me,” explained the Chelsea coach.
The Blues boss then added: “But even when he plays left-back or when he rolls into midfield, his movement off the ball is of a real high quality – the timing, the understanding of when to do it.”
Most significantly from a Liverpool perspective, McFarlane admitted: “So it’s something that we knew with him in that position we could maybe expose.”
That assessment lined up perfectly with what McAteer said during his analysis.
The former midfielder argued that Jones needed to stay disciplined rather than drifting centrally, particularly once Chelsea started finding joy down that flank through Cucurella’s movement.
It’s difficult to argue with the criticism because the tactical imbalance was obvious after Liverpool’s bright start faded away.
Ryan Gravenberch’s early goal should have settled Anfield, yet once Chelsea gained confidence, Liverpool completely lost control of the game.
The pressing disappeared, the defensive structure became stretched and Cucurella consistently found dangerous pockets of space.
McFarlane even admitted the Spain international was unfortunate not to register an assist.
“He was unlucky not to get an assist and he created a lot of problems for them.”
That will frustrate Liverpool supporters because Chelsea arrived at Anfield after six consecutive Premier League defeats.
Instead of building on a strong opening 20 minutes, Slot’s side once again became passive, and the growing unrest around the manager is becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.