Jamie Carragher Jokes About Chelsea Set-Piece Woes After Liverpool Sack Coach

Jamie Carragher couldn’t resist poking fun at Chelsea’s set-piece struggles following their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth, joking that the Blues might consider sacking their own set-piece coach in the aftermath of conceding twice from long throw-ins.

Chelsea were undone by two near-identical deliveries into the box at Stamford Bridge, with Enzo Maresca’s side once again dropping points from a winning position.

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Bournemouth Expose Chelsea from Long Throws

The opener came when David Brooks capitalised on poor Chelsea defending. A long throw was flicked on, Brooks’ initial header was saved by Robert Sanchez, but the Bournemouth winger reacted quickest to prod the rebound home.

Chelsea responded well. Cole Palmer equalised from the penalty spot before Enzo Fernández gave the hosts a deserved lead.

However, defensive fragility resurfaced late on. Another high, long delivery into the box caught Chelsea out, allowing Justin Kluivert to ghost in at the back post and tap home the equaliser.

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Carragher’s Tongue-in-Cheek Dig

Reacting to the goals, Carragher joked on commentary:

“Maybe Chelsea will sack their set-piece coach tomorrow as well.”

The comment drew laughs, particularly given events elsewhere in the Premier League earlier that day.

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Chelsea’s Set-Piece Record Tells a Different Story

Despite the frustration of Tuesday night, Chelsea’s overall set-piece record this season remains one of the strongest in the league.

Under the guidance of Bernardo Cueva, Chelsea rank fifth-best in the Premier League for non-penalty set-piece goal difference, according to Opta.

Only Manchester United, Arsenal and Leeds United have scored more goals from non-penalty set-pieces. Prior to the Bournemouth match, Chelsea had conceded just seven set-piece goals, fewer than Newcastle, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool.

In short, Carragher’s quip was more humour than genuine criticism.

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Why Liverpool’s Situation Sparked the Joke

Carragher’s comment came in the context of Liverpool parting ways with set-piece coach Aaron Briggs earlier on Tuesday.

The Reds have endured major issues defending dead-ball situations this season. Excluding penalties, no team in Europe’s top five leagues has conceded more set-piece goals than Liverpool, with 12 conceded so far.

The latest came against Wolves, when Santiago Bueno scored from a set-piece to spark a nervy finish despite Liverpool holding a two-goal lead.

Liverpool later confirmed Briggs’ departure in a statement:

“Liverpool FC can confirm Aaron Briggs has departed his role as set-piece coach of the men’s first team.

He leaves with the appreciation and best wishes of everyone at the club.”

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Chelsea’s Faith in Bernardo Cueva

Chelsea, meanwhile, remain fully committed to Bernardo Cueva, whom they poached from Brentford after his impressive work with the Bees.

Following his departure, Brentford director of football Phil Giles praised Cueva’s impact:

“Bernardo has done a fantastic job for us over the last four seasons.

Part of Bernardo’s role relates to our set-piece strategies, and this is an area I think everyone at the club can be proud about.”

While Bournemouth exposed specific weaknesses on the night, Chelsea’s broader data suggests Tuesday’s problems were an exception — not a trend.