sportbible homepage
sportbible homepage
  • Football
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • Home
  • Football
    • Premier League
    • Champions League
    • World Cup
    • England
    • Transfer News
    • Manchester United
    • Liverpool
    • Arsenal
    • Real Madrid
    • Barcelona
  • Formula 1
    • Red Bull
    • Ferrari
    • McLaren
    • Mercedes
    • Max Verstappen
    • Lewis Hamilton
    • Lando Norris
    • George Russell
    • Charles Leclerc
  • Boxing
  • UFC
  • More Sport
    • Tennis
    • Golf
    • NBA
    • NFL
    • Darts
    • Athletics
    • Rugby
    • Wrestling
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
Snapchat
TikTok
Threads
YouTube
Submit Your Content Here
  • LADbible
  • Tyla
  • GAMINGbible
  • LADbible Group
  • UNILAD
  • FOODbible
  • UNILAD Tech
Marc Cucurella's bizarre 'hug' defending tactic for Arsenal's goal has got fans talking

Home> Football

Published 15:39 6 Nov 2022 GMT

Marc Cucurella's bizarre 'hug' defending tactic for Arsenal's goal has got fans talking

The Chelsea wing-back has gone viral.

Daniel Marland

Daniel Marland

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

Fans have spotted Marc Cucurella 'hugging' Granit Xhaka and not letting go during the build-up to Arsenal's winner against Chelsea.

The Gunners returned to the top of the Premier League on Sunday afternoon after Gabriel turned home a Bukayo Saka corner from close range.

Saka's set piece went straight through Chelsea's defence, despite having three men on the near post. Cucurella, on the other hand, was given a different job.

His task was to stick to Arsenal midfielder Xhaka like glue. The Switzerland international has scored three Premier League goals this season, the most he's managed in four years.

Advert

Cucurella took his instructions too seriously, however. Footage of the goal has emerged, with Cucurella holding onto Xhaka for the whole passage of play.

All the 24-year-old can do is watch the ball fly past him and onto the end of Gabriel's boot. A strange way of defending.

The clip has gone viral online, with many trying to work out what Cucurella was doing.

One person said: "What on earth was going on with Cucurella for the goal?"

Another commented: "Why is this so funny? My guy froze."

A third tweeted: "We've been scammed paying £60 million for this guy."

While someone put: "Peak comedy that sums up Chelsea's season so far."

Cucurella joined Chelsea from Brighton in the summer but has struggled. He's set for an extended period in the team following Ben Chilwell's recent hamstring injury.

Chilwell confirmed the news on social media while revealing he will not be part of England's World Cup squad.

The Blues have now lost two Premier League games on the bounce, manager Graham Potter's first two defeats since taking over in September.

Potter admitted at full-time that Arsenal, who are unbeaten in the league since September 4, are currently in a better position than his side.

Gabriel celebrates Arsenal's goal. (Image
Alamy)

"We played against a team in a really good moment, a confident team, so credit to them," Potter told BT Sport.

"The boys gave everything. We got into a few situations in the box but we missed that last little bit.

"Overall, Arsenal deserved to win. The goal is disappointing and over the course of the game, we don't have too many complaints at the result."

Chelsea return to action against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Featured Image Credit: BT Sport

Topics: Marc Cucurella, Granit Xhaka, Arsenal, Chelsea, Premier League

Daniel Marland
Daniel Marland

Daniel is SPORTbible's Senior Social Editor.

X

@DanMarland_

Recommended reads

Barry Hearn sends message to Ronnie O'Sullivan over snooker future as Crucible prediction madeGettyTyson Fury explains why his 14-year-old son Prince has “no choice” but to become a boxerGettyTyson Fury targets Jon Jones clash as next move after boxing confirmedGetty“I don’t fight for a country” – Michael 'Venom' Page reveals why he won’t walk out with a flag at UFC LondonGeoff Stellfox/Getty Images

Advert

  • Marc Guehi's Celebration to Crystal Palace Goal Has Got Liverpool Fans Talking
  • Marc Cucurella has already made feelings clear on treatment from Germany fans
  • Arsenal's victory over Chelsea creates bizarre Premier League history
  • Marc Cucurella Namechecks Liverpool Player After Chelsea Win

Choose your content:

an hour ago
2 hours ago
4 hours ago
13 hours ago
  • Getty
    an hour ago

    Craig Bellamy instantly shuts down journalist's Mo Salah question in Wales presser

    The Wales boss was not keen on discussing Mohamed Salah following confirmation of his Liverpool exit.

    Football
  • Getty
    2 hours ago

    Phil Foden leaves England teammates stunned with darts performance

    The Manchester City man surprised his England teammates while away on international duty.

    Football
  • Getty/SPORTbible
    4 hours ago

    Ranking the hardest players in world football

    This may upset a few people...

    Football
  • Getty
    13 hours ago

    Liverpool choose 'number one target' to replace Mo Salah as alternatives emerge

    Salah announced on Tuesday that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

    Football