Chelsea’s weaknesses were exposed by Newcastle, says Sam Allardyce
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes Chelsea showed their vulnerable side in a 2-0 loss to Newcastle earlier this month
Sam Allardyce has urged West Ham United to draw inspiration from Newcastle United’s win against Chelsea ahead of their clash with the Blues on Saturday.
The Hammers boss believes the west London side’s frailties were exposed as the Magpies secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over the Europa League holders at St James’ Park earlier this month.
The Blues have failed to win their previous two top-flight games, and Allardyce wants the Hammers to show a much-needed clinical edge against Jose Mourinho’s men at Upton Park on Saturday.
“Obviously those two results give you a chance to see where their weaknesses lie,” Allardyce told his pre-match media conference.
“At the end of the day, we have to be on top of our game on Saturday. All the players who play and take part will have to hit top form – anything less than that will make life difficult for us.
“It we can do that, we can cause Chelsea one or two problems and ultimately pressure is fine and playing good football is fine, but scoring goals, converting chances and winning football matches is what we’re all paid to do.
“We’re not finding the end product at the moment, but we have to do that against Chelsea on Saturday.
“We may find it harder to create chances than we have done against other sides because they are a top team with top players. Creating chances will be at a premium, so we have to be clinical enough to take them when we get them.
“If we can do that, as Newcastle showed a few weeks ago, we can frustrate Chelsea and win the game.
“That game showed there is a vulnerability there and, if your team masters its tactics, you can beat a team as big as Chelsea.”
