Paul Merson 'lost for words' as he rips into crying Chelsea stars after Arsenal loss

Paul Merson has accused Chelsea of showing a lack of fight in their League Cup semi-final defeat to Arsenal. Liam Rosenior's side sat back and looked to prevent Mikel Arteta's men from scoring in the first half, despite losing the first-leg 3-2.

Rosenior, 41, watched his side fail to find the net before Kai Havertz, a former Blue, scored in added time to secure a 1-0 victory and 4-2 aggregate triumph. Chelsea players were left devastated after the match with players like Wesley Fofana seen in tears.

The west Londoners were not able to create any chances of note, with Kepa Arrizabalaga's fine save from Enzo Fernandez in the first half being their only meaningful effort at goal. Despite the disappointment and sadness in the faces of the Chelsea players, Merson had no sympathy.

He said: "I am numb, I am flabbergasted. I can't believe what I have just watched. I honestly can't believe what I have just watched.

"Arsenal fans and the players themselves...this is Chelsea Football Club. They have got international football players, a World Cup winner.

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"They have got players all over...this is not a bottom four or five team, they have just come here...they should be crying because they never had a go.

"I am lost for words, I cannot believe what's just happened. They have gone out with an absolute whimper in the semi-final of a big competition.

"If it worked it was great but if it hasn't worked, you can't gamble like that. Have a go and go out in a blaze of glory. Don't go out like that. I am lost for words."

Rosenior surprised the Gunners by deploying a back five with Joao Pedro and Liam Delap playing as a pair up-front. He reverted to a back four after the break by introducing Estevao and Cole Palmer for Jorrel Hato and Delap after half-time

He also brought on Alejandro Garnacho, but the ex-Manchester United forward, like his fellow substitutes, were not able to influence the game.

Chelsea finished the match having only had 11 shots on target, with only two being on target. They will have to look forward to an away clash against 20th placed Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend.

The defeat at the Emirates Stadium was only Rosenior's second loss as Chelsea head coach. His only other loss was against the same opponents in the first-leg, where they lost 3-2 in a back-and-forth contest.

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