PREMIER LEAGUE: CECH SLAMS FIXTURE CONGESTION

Chelsea legend Petr Cech has slammed the Premier League for fixture congestion after the away game against Brighton and Hove Albion was not rescheduled properly. Petr Cech made his thoughts on the fixture pile-up known in a chat with the Chelsea website earlier this month. The Czech football icon wondered why the Brighton game was not rescheduled for Wednesday, January 19 since both teams don’t have any fixture until Sunday, January 23. Petr Cech believes that the players are being pushed to the limit as he pointed that the Chelsea squad has been decimated in recent weeks over injuries, illnesses and isolations.

The league match between hosts Brighton and Chelsea was originally planned for next month but the European champions would be away on FIFA Club World Cup duties. To this effect, the Premier League made the decision to bring the fixture forward to Tuesday, January 18.
Cech is incensed that Chelsea have to play Manchester City on Saturday and then face the Seagulls on Tuesday when the next day could have been perfect to aid player recovery.

Chelsea are in a difficult place ahead of the Brighton game with just one win in their last six games including the 1-0 defeat to Manchester City. Former player Kevin De Bruyne came back to haunt Chelsea once again with the only goal of the game in the 70th minute. The Belgian unleashed an unstoppable curling shot that flew into the net after receiving a pass from Joao Cancelo.

The slim win for Manchester City ensured that Chelsea are now 13 points adrift of the defending champions with 16 games and 48 points to fight for. The defeat has all but pushed them out of the title race. The Blues would be hoping to bounce back when they take on Brighton next week.