…as Michael Owen describes Delap’s performance as a “mixed bag”.
London, United Kingdom — The iNews Times, former Premier League star Michael Owen has criticised Chelsea striker Liam Delap, branding his display “selfish” despite the Blues’ 2–0 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday.
Chelsea secured the win through goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernández, a result that pushed the London club into second place on the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Arsenal.
Delap, 22, who arrived in a £30 million summer transfer from Ipswich Town, led the line from kickoff but was substituted in the 67th minute. He remains without a goal for Chelsea.
Speaking on Premier League Productions, Michael Owen described Delap’s performance as a “mixed bag” and insisted the young forward must sharpen his decision-making.
“I quite like this lad. I feel he has a lot to offer, but he is still raw and can get better,”
Owen said.
The former Liverpool striker was particularly unimpressed with a moment in the first half when Delap opted to shoot instead of passing to Neto.
“He needs to be a little more unselfish. He probably could have passed it a couple of times,”
Owen noted.
“If he plays this ball to Pedro Neto and makes a run to drag the defender away, Neto has a one-on-one. Instead, he thinks he’s going to score on his own and takes a pot-shot from 25 yards. It’s not great.”
Despite Delap’s struggles, Chelsea’s victory keeps them firmly in the title conversation, with attention now shifting to Sunday’s North London Derby between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, a match that could further reshape the top of the table.
