Alejandro Garnacho, Chelsea’s most recent high-profile acquisition, joined the team in the later part of the summer transfer window and made his first appearance on the pitch when the Blues played Lincoln in the League Cup. However, the teenage winger’s debut was barely memorable.
Garnacho was always going to leave the Red Devils in the summer, with Chelsea being his destination in a £40 million deal. He ended his Manchester United career with regret after playing in their worst Premier League season ever.
How Alejandro Garnacho Started for Chelsea for the First Time Against Lincoln
Prior to being brought on to save something at Bayern Munich in their 3-1 Champions League loss last week, he had only made two appearances for the Blues in the previous 25 days, first in their eventual 2-2 draw at Brentford. Nevertheless, the Argentine will have had an opportunity to make an impression and give Enzo Maresca the opportunity to consider him for a first-team position before other wingers at the club after being brought on against Lincoln.
One could argue that the opportunity was missed. Garnacho only finished 23 touches for the Blues in the first half, according to Sofascore, but all 14 of his passes were accurate at Sincil Bank. Lincoln took the lead via Rob Street before halftime in what was a startling opening stretch for the Blues, and it says more than the other players involved.
More startlingly, Garnacho’s zero dribble efforts in the first half put them on a worse track. He failed to use the lightning-fast pace he has displayed for United in previous years as they struggled against the League One team, and his lone attempt at a cross was fruitless.
Even though Garnacho stayed on the pitch, their fortunes quickly improved after the half thanks to a spectacular goal from Tyrique George and a goal from Facundo Buonanotte. That continued to be the case when he was hooked for Brazil’s young player Estevao on the hour mark and was unable to contribute much despite the goals.
Supporters’ Reactions to Garnacho’s Complete Debut Against Lincoln
But on X (previously Twitter), fans weren’t really impressed. The critique was initiated by a fan who wrote: “Garnacho is just as I thought then, awful.” Another commented: “Garnacho is awful. On, Estevao. It’s time for samba.
Additional scathing remarks were directed at him. One fan wrote: “Between Garnacho and Jorgensen, we might as well have flushed £60M down the toilet,” while another wrote: “Garnacho horror game.”
Additionally, two fans were equally critical of him after he was substituted on the hour. One wrote: “About time” in reference to him being hooked, while another wrote: “See.” Garnacho is now in place. You played him as RW, but why? My problem with Maresca is this. A player being played out of position is not something I blame. Never.
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