Glen Johnson makes Chelsea v Newcastle prediction and delivers verdict on Gary Neville’s ‘billion pound bottle jobs’ remark
Glen Johnson has made a bold prediction, foreseeing Newcastle United emerging victorious against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, while also backing Gary Neville’s assessment of Mauricio Pochettino’s squad as ‘billion pound bottle jobs’.
Despite a promising resurgence from Christmas through January, Chelsea’s recent performances have left much to be desired, winning only three of their last nine matches across all competitions. The agony of a Carabao Cup final defeat to a relatively inexperienced Liverpool side compounded the pressure on Pochettino, with the team’s lackluster 2-2 draw against Brentford intensifying scrutiny on the Argentine manager.
Eager to redeem themselves, Chelsea faces a crucial fixture against Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, who showcased their attacking prowess in a convincing victory over Wolves in their previous outing. Glen Johnson, the former Chelsea and England full-back, believes the upcoming clash poses significant risks for his former club, tipping Newcastle to secure a 2-1 victory given their current goal-scoring form.
Amid speculation surrounding Pochettino’s tenure, Johnson advocates for patience, asserting that the ex-Spurs boss remains a top-caliber manager deserving of the club’s support amidst ongoing transitions and upheavals.
Reflecting on Gary Neville’s scathing critique during Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final defeat, Johnson concurs with the sentiment, acknowledging that while the wording might be provocative, Neville’s underlying message resonates. Chelsea’s failure to clinch the trophy against a youthful Liverpool squad exposed vulnerabilities that Neville aptly highlighted, suggesting room for improvement within the squad’s mentality and performance.
In essence, Johnson’s analysis underscores the significance of the upcoming match for Chelsea’s redemption and the imperative for sustained support towards Pochettino amid the club’s transitional phase.
