Gary Neville explains ‘unacceptable’ criticism of Chelsea FC
The Manchester United legend stands behind his criticism of defending Premier League champions Chelsea FC
Gary Neville has defended his criticism of Chelsea FC’s “unacceptable” performance in Sunday’s 1-0 loss to Manchester City.
The defending Premier League champions made the trip to the Etihad Stadium fresh from a 2-1 defeat at Manchester United.
Chelsea FC were looking to end a two-game winless run but the Blues produced a negative performance at The Etihad.
Summer signing Bernardo Silva broke the deadlock with a close-range finish to help Manchester City move 16 points clear at the top of the table.
Chelsea FC are in fifth place in the Premier League table and five points behind Tottenham Hotspur, who occupy the final Champions League spot.
Manchester United legend Neville was slammed Chelsea FC’s performance during his co-commentary on Sky Sports at Etihad Stadium.
Antonio Conte hit out at the pundit for his damning assessment of the west London side’s uninspiring display at Manchester City.
However, former England international Neville has defended his analysis of Chelsea FC.
“It wasn’t right. I used the word ‘unacceptable’,” Neville told Monday Night Football on Sky Sports.
“I don’t use that word lightly for a football match. We don’t go into a game to criticise Chelsea.
“We’ve praised Chelsea to heaven over the last 18 months in the way in which they won the title.
“The brilliance of Conte, the system… we don’t go out to criticise a team.”
Chelsea FC played out a 1-1 draw with La Liga giants Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash at Stamford Bridge last month.
The Blues signed Ross Barkley, Emerson Palmieri and Olivier Giroud in the January transfer window.
