“I have a bitter taste for Arsenal’s second goal… I think I have to do better on the action, it’s a disappointment, and I have to get back to work to do better”declared Malo Gusto Saturday evening for Téléfoot, at Stamford Bridge, after the draw between Chelsea and Arsenal (2-2). At the end of a choppy match in the London rain, the Blues undoubtedly missed their chance to strike a big blow by putting an end to the Gunners’ invincibility. But Robert Sanchez’s fatal error on Declan Rice’s goal in the 77th minute cast doubt on Mauricio Pochettino’s men. This is demonstrated in particular by Malo Gusto’s poor marking on Leandro Trossard’s equalizer (84th). Yet very solid – once again – on his right lane, the ex-Lyon player can, like his teammates, blame himself for not having collected the three points.
Established in a 4-man defense alongside Thiago Silva, Levi Colwill and Marc Cucurella, on the left, Malo Gusto was helped by Raheem Sterling to contain Martinelli’s enthusiasm. The young Frenchman born in 2003 was making his comeback after being suspended for three matches, following his red card received against Aston Villa at the end of September. A far from perfect start to the season for the former Lyon player, who has nevertheless performed well since his arrival in southwest London. With 6 starts in 9 Premier League days, and 2 assists, Malo Gusto is acting as right back, while awaiting the 100% return of Reece James, who timidly came into play against Arsenal.
A rewarded adaptation at high speed
If many observers pointed the finger at the career choice of the native of Décines-Charpieu when he officially left Lyon for Chelsea, Malo Gusto found a smile again in London. “Chelsea is a club that has always made me dream. When a club of this caliber wants you, it’s a source of pride, I didn’t hesitate to come here. Stamford Bridge is the garden, where everything happens. The proximity to the fans, the atmosphere here, it’s really something strong. Every time I go on the pitch, I know what I have to do and I’m proud to wear this jersey. It is a dream. I hope to win a lot of trophies with this team”, he confided upon his arrival. The group lives well, the squad is young, talented, the project is ambitious, all in a city that suits the right-back perfectly.
“I feel very good here in London, there is a good atmosphere, it’s a city a bit similar to Paris but it’s even better. I’m close to my family so there’s simply nothing better.”he said for Téléfoot. Until now, Malo Gusto has shown an excellent ability to integrate into an XXL squad, where the competition is tough. Something to please Pochettino: “He has to adapt to a new club, that of Chelsea where the mentality is to win, we are not just here to participate but I am happy, we really believe in him, he is only 20 years old, I am very happy.” So, when injuries hit the France team during the international break in defense, it was Malo Gusto’s name that was mentioned. “It represents a lot of pride. It’s a pleasure to represent the country. I hope there will be others”confides the main interested party, who came into play against the Netherlands (1-2).
The return of Reece James
If the original Lyonnais has been able to show his advantage since the start of the season, taking advantage of the absences of Reece James, but also those of Wesley Fofana, Benoît Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah and even Ben Chiwell, Malo Gusto will undoubtedly have to recover to work with the return of the English captain in the coming days. At 23, Reece James is already the leader of his team, the club’s kid. Too often injured, he nonetheless remains one of the best – if not the best – in his position in the Kingdom. Many sometimes forget that the right defender crushed the competition after winning the Champions League in 2020-2021, with a 2021-2022 season with 5 goals and 9 assists in 26 Premier League matches.
Malo Gusto surely knows, Reece James is the emblem of the Blues, especially with the departure of Mason Mount, former darling of the Bridge, and that of Cesar Azpilicueta, who left to enjoy the sun in Spain at the age of 34. But the Englishman is physically fragile, which in no way rules out the former Lyon player who has probably obtained more playing time than expected since this summer. Factually, Malo Gusto is the only threat on the right, where competition on the left is fierce (Ben Chilwell, Marc Cucurella, Ian Maatsen). The Frenchman described during Generation After on RMC “really healthy competition” with English, which is “someone very good”. “We give each other a lot of advice, he tries to help me and I try to help him as best I can”, reported Malo Gusto about his number 1 competitor. This is also the reality of the big teams. Let the best play.
