Ray Wilkins questions David Luiz's defensive work after Chelsea lost 2-1 to Shakhtar in the Champions League

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Donetsk on Tuesday. A poor defensive display from UEFA Champions League holders Chelsea saw them lose 2-1 to Shakhtar

 

Early goals in either half from Alex Teixeira and Fernandinho settled the contest in favour of the Ukrainian hosts, with Roberto Di Matteo's blues barely getting out of the blocks and only managing a late reply from Oscar.

“Chelsea looked all at sea," said Ray Wilkins who was Chelsea's assistant coach from 2008 until 2010.

"The one thing you see when Chelsea play no matter what team they put out is that their ball possession is fantastic. Their passing is good; they always have options on the ball.

"It summed it up when Fernandinho scored the second goal for Shakhtar - Hazard gets robbed in the middle of the pitch - that is not Chelsea. For him to lose the ball in the middle third of the pitch is criminal especially at this level. Shaktar were putting them under pressure but they should still have the composure to be able to play under that pressure."

Wilkins also believes that Di Matteo has a decision to make over Brazilian centre-half David Luiz, who is capable of moments of brilliance followed by some frustrating defensive errors.

"I think the moments of brilliance are with the ball - it is what you expect from a large number of Brazilian players. But the problems he has are defensive.

"I think Roberto has a quandary -does he stick Gary CaHill  alongside John Terry, or even Ivanovic alongside John Terry.

"I don't think David Luiz at this moment in time is defending well enough, especially when it comes to these big games, to actually warrant a place in the side.

"Bear in mind Manchester United come to Stamford Bridge on Sunday as well and they will need to be extremely solid against them. Attacking wise, Man Utd will do exactly the same as Shakhtar did."