“Jamie Carragher Criticizes Jadon Sancho for Defensive Mistake in Chelsea’s Disastrous Loss”

Jadon Sancho had a performance to forget during Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Brighton on February 16, 2025. The Manchester United winger, who is on loan at Chelsea, came on early after Noni Madueke sustained an injury, but failed to make any significant impact. Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher was especially critical of Sancho’s lack of defensive effort during the match.

Chelsea struggled throughout the game, failing to register a single shot on target. However, what seemed to frustrate Carragher the most was Sancho’s poor effort in tracking back when Brighton scored their third goal. With Chelsea already trailing 2-0, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh made a run into the box, but Sancho, who was supposed to track him, failed to do so. Minteh easily passed Sancho and placed the ball into the net, effectively sealing Chelsea’s humiliating defeat.

Carragher, visibly upset, highlighted the lack of intensity in Sancho’s defensive actions, as well as his failure to stay with Minteh. He expressed his displeasure on air, saying, “Just see Sancho with Minteh at the top of your picture, the one-two and just watch Sancho. I mean, where’s he going?! The intensity on that side from Cucurella and Sancho was awful. This is a bad, bad night for Enzo Maresca and Chelsea.” Carragher’s remarks reflected the frustration shared by many Chelsea and football fans in general.

After Carragher’s sharp criticism, social media quickly exploded with Chelsea fans and even Manchester United supporters expressing their dissatisfaction with Sancho’s performance. Many United fans felt justified in their opinions, recalling similar disappointing performances during his time at Old Trafford. One fan remarked, “Carragher pulls no punches! Is this déjà vu for Sancho?” Another highlighted how Sancho’s failure to track Minteh directly led to the third goal, commenting, “He’s just completely gone AWOL, lost his man and that man had made it 3-0.”

To add to the tension, some fans referenced Sancho’s recent social media post, where he had written the word “Freedom” after his former teammate Marcus Rashford left Manchester United for Aston Villa. Some saw this as a subtle dig at his time at Old Trafford, suggesting that Sancho felt restricted at the club. However, performances like the one against Brighton only intensified the doubts surrounding his career.

If Sancho is serious about turning things around and revitalizing his football career, many, including Carragher and fans, believe he must show a much stronger commitment and work ethic on the pitch. Without that, his future at Chelsea and beyond could be at risk.