Pundits slam Werner for “erratic” finishing in FA Cup final
Timo Werner has been criticised for a profligate display in the FA Cup final defeat to Leicester City, with one pundit suggesting Chelsea need to go out and acquire a new striker.
Werner, 25, was signed for £48million from RB Leipzig in the summer having netted 34 goals for the German club last season.
He has largely undershot expectations at Stamford Bridge, managing only six goals in the Premier League and 12 in all competitions.
Under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel, Werner’s form has improved of late, but in Saturday’s Wembley showpiece, his finishing woes came back to haunt him, with the striker wasting several promising opportunities.
Former Aston Villa marksman Gabby Agbonlahor feels the club have to make a change in the summer if the progress made under Tuchel is to continue.
He told talkSPORT: “I’ve tried to give him the benefit of the doubt as it’s his first season, but the more I’m seeing of him he’s making the wrong decision.
“He picked the ball up, running at two defenders and takes a wild shot over the bar when it’s best to make a pass and another run.
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“He seems a bit too erratic and Chelsea, with their history with the likes of Didier Drogba and the strikers they’ve had in the past, they need to go out and buy a big, big striker who can score goals and turn up in the big games.”
Tony Cascarino, meanwhile, feels Werner’s decision-making has to improve, with the ex-Chelsea striker claiming the German chooses the wrong option too often.
“He makes a lot of bad decisions for a striker. I’ve been there and know what I’m talking about on this. I did it for a period in my career,” Cascarino said on talkSPORT’s Weekend Sports Breakfast.
“My decisions were always wrong for about 18 months and I couldn’t fathom how I would choose the wrong option.
“He’s doing that at the moment too regularly. For someone who can devastate with his pace, he gets in position and thinks ‘what am I going to need to do?’ Ultimately, he chooses the wrong option.”
