Marc Cucurella smiles at his Chelsea teammate's joke about how he stopped Bukayo Saka
Marc Cucurella smiled as Pedro Neto joked that the Chelsea defender simply had to be himself to stop Bukayo Saka.
He Chelsea The left-back was named Man of the Match in Sunday's 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
Cucurella prevailed in a tense battle with Saka on the Gunners' right flank.
However, he was able to limit the England international's threat to his goal throughout the afternoon.
However, Saka's match ended early, as He limped off in the 81st minute. after a strong challenge from Cucurella and was replaced by Gabriel Jesus.
Cucurella spoke to Sky Sports alongside goalscorer Neto after the match.
Speaking about his battle with Saka, the 26-year-old explained: “I think he is a top player, we have played against each other many times.
“Big respect, I think he's a top player so I try to do my job. He wants to do his job so it's a good battle and I hope to do more of this.”
He was then asked what the “secret” is to stopping Saka, prompting Neto to joke: “Being Marc Cucurella.”
His joke left Cucurella smiling and Neto laughing at his own joke, before the Spaniard added: “I try not to give him space, I try to always be close to him.
“We know he has a special talent, so I try to do my job and help my team. I need to do my job on the field.
“I think today I tried to do my best and we got a point.”
2
Cucurella returned to the starting eleven on Sunday, replacing the club captain James Reece.
The former Brighton player had appeared from the bench in Chelsea's last two league games.
His tenth start to the campaign in all competitions was achieved thanks to Enzo Maresca against their London rivals.
Chelsea are third in the table after the tie with a long-range shot by Pedro Neto that canceled out Gabriel Martinelli's first goal.
The result means Chelsea remain above the Gunners on goal difference.
It is the first time they have been in the top three since the last day of the 2021/22 season.
