Ben Chilwell's Poor First-Half Could Be Down To Him Not Speaking French

Ben Chilwell's lack of French might have something to do with his poor first half against Crystal Palace.

The Chelsea left-back made just his second start for the Blues, since joining from Leicester City in the summer, and his first in the league.

After Marcos Alonso's disastrous performance in the draw with West Brom last weekend, Frank Lampard would have hoped for a better start for the Spaniard's replacement.

However Chilwell lost possession five times in the opening 10 minutes of the game, more than anyone else on the pitch, and it might be because he doesn't speak the same language as his teammates.

According to Daily Telegraph journalist Matt Law, four of Chelsea's back five were speaking French during the game to communicate with each other, leaving the left-back as the odd man out.

The Blues latest signing Edouard Mendy, like Chilwell, made his league debut at Stamford Bridge in the 12.30pm kick off, after making his debut in the Carabao Cup against Spurs earlier in the week.

In front of the former Rennes goalkeeper was fellow Frenchman Kurt Zouma partnered by Thiago Silva, the Brazilian spent eight years at PSG, presumably picking up the language in that time.

At right back Cesar Azpilicueta spent three years at Marseille before moving to west London in 2012, so it might be time for Chilwell to get the French books out.

Chilwell made his first start vs Spurs. Image: PA Images

Chelsea had problems at the back last season, conceding 54 goals, more than anyone in the top half of the Premier League, and signed Mendy, Silva and Chilwell to sure things up.

So far this season they've conceded six goals in their opening three games, including three first half goals against West Brom last week.

In typical fashion Chilwell waiting just five minutes after half time to make this writer look like a total moron by scoring the opening goal of the game.

The 23-year-old's all round performance in the second half was excellent, as he also provided an assist with Chelsea going on to win 4-0, to really leave my with egg on my face.

Sacre bleu!

Topics: Frank Lampard, Edouard Mendy, Football News, Chelsea, Kurt Zouma, Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta, Premier League, Ben Chilwell, Crystal Palace

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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