"Leave that guy in Cardiff please", "Bad news everytime he plays" - Fans slam Chelsea star despite their win against Cardiff in EFL Cup clash

Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo has received sticks from fans on social media despite the side's 3-1 win over Cardiff City in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, November 16. The 27-year-old failed to impress as the Blues secured qualification to the semi-final of the League Cup.

Manager Enzo Maresca made a full squad overhaul from the side that defeated Everton 2-0 over the weekend, with fringe players making the starting XI against the League One outfit.

After a drab first 45 minutes, Chelsea drew first blood in the 57th minute through Alejandro Garnacho. The former Manchester United star, who came on at halftime, was set up by his countryman Facoundo Buonanotte after a mistake by Cardiff defender Dylan Lawlor.

In a turn of events, the host restored parity in the 75th minute with a well-directed header from David Turnbull, sparking hopes of a possible upset. However, the Blues rekindled their lead eight minutes from regulation time through another substitute, Pedro Netro, via an assist from Andrey Santos. Garanacho then delivered the icing on the cake in the third minute of stoppage time, grabbing his brace and sending Chelsea to the next round.

Adarabioyo partnered with Benoit Badashile in the heart of defense for the west Londoners. In 90 minutes on the pitch, the Englishman recorded six defensive contributions, one tackle, five clearances, and one recovery. He made no interceptions and was not dribbled past.

Despite the win and his decent statistics from the match, fans were unhappy with Adarabioyo's overall performance. One fan commented:

"Tosin is just bad news everytime he plays." "Tosin is just waste of space on the football pitch tbh," another added. "Tosin is deadass the worst defender on the planet and he will be stuck with us for a very long time cause nobody is buying this shit player," a disappointed fan posted. "At the age of 27, if you go to uni by 31 you will be a graduate. Can someone close to Tosin let him know this," another chimed in. "Leave that Tosin guy in Cardiff. Please," a fan said.

Tosin Adarabioyo has been called out multiple times by the fans this season for below-par performances. So far, he has made 15 appearances across competitions.

What's next for Chelsea?

Chelsea will now turn their focus to the Premeir League as they look to navigate through a busy December schedule. Up next, Enzo Maresca's side will travel to St. James Park to face Newcastle United on Saturday, December 20.

Seven days later, they will welcome Unai Emery's Aston Villa to Stamford Bridge before hosting Bournemouth on December 30 to wrap up the year. The Blues will know their EFL Cup semi-final opponents following the draw on Wednesday, December 17, and the completion of the other quarter-final matches.

Edited by Okenna Okere