• Chelsea faced Real Betis in the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday
  • The Spanish side took an early lead after the Blues lost the ball in midfield 
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By SPENCER MORGAN

Chelsea found themselves behind just nine minutes into Wednesday’s Europa League final and former Blues star Joe Cole believes one star was largely was to blame.

Full back Malo Gusto lost the ball in midfield and that allowed Isco to play Abde Ezzalzouli in on the left hand side with the right-back out of position.

Former Barcelona star Ezzalzouli made no mistake with a lethal finish across goal and Chelsea fans quickly took to social media to point the finger at Gusto.

Cole was in agreement that the Frenchman’s positioning was the main problem in the build up to the Spanish side’s goal.

Speaking in his role as a pundit for TNT Sports, he said: ‘We said don’t do anything silly in the buildup. 

‘Chelsea if they build with a three and Gusto goes into that midfield position. 

Joe Cole highlighted an error from one Chelsea player in the build-up to Real Betis' opener

Joe Cole highlighted an error from one Chelsea player in the build-up to Real Betis’ opener 

Abde Ezzalzouli broke the deadlock in the ninth minute of the Europa Conference League final

Abde Ezzalzouli broke the deadlock in the ninth minute of the Europa Conference League final

French full-back Malo Gusto found himself out of position after losing the ball in midfield

French full-back Malo Gusto found himself out of position after losing the ball in midfield 

‘It’s fantastic play from Betis but something Pellegrini would have noticed. 

‘Chelsea lost the ball, it was a turnover and it’s dropped to Isco and he looks up and he knows that space where Gusto was would be vacated. It’s a lovely ball. It’s a great finish.’

Gusto looked shaky at the back throughout the first half and Enzo Maresca had clearly seen enough at the break.

The full-back was replaced by captain Reece James at half-time and former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell agreed with the decision.

‘A change needed to happen,’ he said. ‘I’m surprised James didn’t start in the first place. Gusto wasn’t at the races.’ 

The Blues went on to turn things around in the second half, and will return to west London from Wroclaw with the Conference League trophy in hand. 

Cole Palmer starred with two assists as Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Moises Caicedo sealed the victory in a 4-1 thrashing.  

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Joe Cole points blame at Chelsea star for Real Betis’ opener in Europa Conference League final

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