Mikel laments Chelsea concentration lapse after Juventus comeback

Sep 19, 2012 11:08:00 PM

The Nigerian's sloppy attempted pass was a mistake that contributed to the Italian side's late equaliser after the Champions League holders had earlier been two goals up

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel lamented his part in a collective switching-off as the Blues allowed Juventus to fight back and earn a 2-2 Champions League draw at Stamford Bridge.

Last season's winners started their defence well, going 2-0 up with quickfire goals from Brazilian youngster Oscar, but Arturo Vidal’s swift reply was consolidated by a Fabio Quagliarella strike late on.

Mikel gave the ball away in the build-up to the equaliser and he told Sky Sports after the game: "I think we switched off. It was a pass to Eden [Hazard] that didn't quite get there and then we just switched off.

"We should have dealt with it properly."

The Nigerian had been encouraged, however, by their energetic beginning to the match, adding: "I think we started the game well, we scored two goals and we had more possession of the game. We had the game under control but they scored one goal.

"We came out in the second half trying to do something in the way that we started the first-half but their second goal was a cheap goal to give away."

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!