Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes Timo Werner’s habit of straying offside is down to his laziness and says once he sorts it out, he will become more prolific in front of goal.
Werner has been frustrating to watch for Chelsea supporters at times this campaign. Not only has he struggled in front of goal since his arrival from RB Leipzig but the German is regularly caught in offside positions.
This was evident last week, with two goals ruled out for offside against Man City on Saturday and another chalked off during the Champions League victory over Real Madrid on Wednesday.
Werner has improved in recent weeks and has been helping create goals for his team-mates, with his run and cross on Saturday evening creating the match-winner for Alonso.
But the German star’s goal against Real Madrid on Wednesday was just his fourth goal in 36 matches since November 7.
“I think Timo Werner is having a good season,” Wright said during BBC’s Match of the Day.
“Coming to Chelsea with that pressure of scoring goals and then missing chances…You need to look at the runs he makes. Here he needs to get back onside. He doesn’t get onside.
- All-English Champions League final between Man City & Chelsea to be played at Wembley
- Gerard Pique brutally insulted Luis Suarez after he tried to sneak penalty vs Barcelona
- Man City penalty decision vs Chelsea the wrong call, says ex-Premier League ref
“He’s got so much space. For me that’s just lazy, it’s lazy work. He’s running straight offside. Once he sorts that out, he will get more chances, then he will need to be more clinical.”
Werner looked set to challenge for the Golden Boot in his first few months at Chelsea, as he scored seven goals in six matches during a three-week period in October and November.
However, Thomas Tuchel had no such issues with the player, who has become a regular since he took over from Frank Lampard in January.
“In the last week he’s really adapted well to the situations,” the German coach said after the win over City. “The way he works he’s relentless. He really wants it and I am very happy with his performance today.”
Asked if the striker needed to add more composure to his game, Tuchel added: “Yes, but it’s easier said than done. He was working like a dog.
“He was really, really working hard, it was so important and he gave them a hard time with his runs. Once he had chances, he had them exhausted. No complaints today.”
