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Up-hill struggle

Chelsea’s Gary Cahill is the Premier League’s worst defender, shows one shocking stat

More opposition goals have been Cahill's fault than any other defender this season

CHELSEA'S embarrassing defence have given Antonio Conte a bigger rebuilding job than he could have ever imagined when he took charge at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues' backline was humiliated in a 3-0 defeat against Arsenal at the Emirates, not helped by the fact they had the worst defender in the league playing.

 Mesut Ozil scores Arsenal's 3rd goal in a 3-0 win over Chelsea
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Mesut Ozil scores Arsenal's 3rd goal in a 3-0 win over ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association

Incredibly, statistics show it's not David Luiz.

So far this season, Gary Cahill is the only player in the league to have gifted more than one opposition goal through a defensive error.

Twice he has been caught dithering in possession, once by Alexis Sanchez at Arsenal and once by Leroy Fer at Swansea.

Although the England centre-back will still feel a bit aggrieved by the Swansea goal, which looked a foul to everyone except referee Andre Marriner.

 Gary Cahill has caused more opposition goals than any other Premier League player this season
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Gary Cahill has caused more opposition goals than any other Premier League player this seasonCredit: Getty Images

Cahill's poor form has not gone unnoticed by Conte, who is believed to want to get rid of him, Branislav Ivanovic and David Luiz in a complete defensive overhaul.

Only 15 players have made errors that have directly caused opposition goals this season, according to Squawka, and 5 have been goalkeepers.

In fact, Cahill, West Ham's James Collins and Sunderland's Papy Djilobodji are the only centre-backs to have made the list of shame.

Former England captain Cahill takes on Malta on Saturday and will hope to keep the defensive errors to a minimum.

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