Today was a statement game for Emerson against West Ham, and one that could have gone either way.
The left back has had an up and down season so far. Starting the year as one of Frank Lampard’s best players, an injury cruelly robbed him of a couple of months of his season, and it’s been a battle since then.
He won his place in the first team back from Marcos Alonso rather quickly, but his own form since hasn’t been great, and Lampard’s preferred combination recently has been Azpi on the left with Reece James on the right.
That’s what everyone expected today, especially when James’ name was seen on the teamsheet. But Emerson was given the nod on the left against the Hammers, and the team’s bad performance and result wasn’t much help.
Emerson was by no means the worst culprit, but the lack of authority without Azpi in the side was evident. Reece James was at fault for the goal, but offers so much going forward it’s hard to leave him out.
Emerson had his chance, but we reckon he’s wasted it, and Azpilicueta will return at left back next week.
