Petr Cech criticises Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic for error against Crystal Palace

Djordje Petrovic could not stop Jefferson Lerma’s wondergoal (Picture: Getty)

Petr Cech feels Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic should have done more to prevent Crystal Palace taking the lead in Monday’s clash at Selhurst Park.

Palace midfielder Jefferson Lerma unleashed an absolute screamer from distance to put the home side ahead in the first half.

Gary Neville called out three Chelsea players over the goal, including defender Thiago Silva, with the Sky Sports pundit describing his clearance as ‘strange’.

Former Chelsea goalkeeper Cech, though, has argued that Petrovic should take some responsibility for Lerma’s goal.

‘Petrovic drops to the goalline to have a little bit more time to step and push,’ Cech told Sky Sports.

‘But you can step up, gain a yard and close the angle. He had a very good step and push but couldn’t get there.

‘Personally, I would be higher and have a better chance. I think a small touch would have been enough.’

Jefferson Lerma gave Crystal Palace a first-half lead (Picture: Getty)

Speaking before the match, Cech gave his verdict on Chelsea under co-owner Todd Boehly, who took over from Roman Abramovich in May 2022.

He appeared to aim a dig at the American, suggesting he has made too many changes to the squad and his decision to spend huge transfer fees on players has ramped up pressure.

The west Londoners have spent over £1 billion on players in the Boehly era, which included a £106.8m deal for Enzo Fernandez and £115m deal for Moises Caicedo.

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