In a surprising move, Chelsea substituted in a relatively unknown 20-year-old striker, Mason Burstow, during their recent match against West Ham. This decision left fans perplexed, especially considering the club's extravagant spending. Despite Burstow's limited time on the pitch, it was clear that Raheem Sterling was back at his best, causing significant problems for the Hammers' defense. However, supporters couldn't comprehend why Chelsea's new manager, Mauricio Pochettino, didn't have more established names to call upon, considering the club's staggering expenses over the past year. Some fans expressed concerns about the team's performance, suggesting that it may be a troubling sign for Pochettino's tenure at Stamford Bridge.
Who is Mason Burstow?
Burstow was signed by Chelsea from Charlton in February last year but was loaned back to the League One club for the remainder of the season. Last season, he emerged as the top scorer for Chelsea's Development Squad in the Premier League 2, scoring 10 goals. Earlier this month, he impressed fans by scoring a last-minute equalizer in a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund. However, as the competitive season began, supporters expressed their concerns about Pochettino turning to an unknown prospect like Burstow when in need of a goal.
Fans and rival clubs criticize squad-building
Fans and rival clubs didn't hold back in their criticism of Chelsea's squad-building choices. Some fans expressed disbelief that a club that has spent nearly €1 billion over the past year had to rely on Burstow to find a goal. Others mocked Chelsea, calling their squad-building decisions into question. The substitution of Burstow seemed to symbolize a larger issue with the team's strategy and decision-making. It remains to be seen how Pochettino will address these concerns and whether Chelsea's massive spending will be reflected in their performance on the pitch.
