Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella played a pivotal role in the Blues’ 2-1 Premier League victory over Brentford on Sunday. However, the Spaniard’s performance left pundit Stuart Pearce with mixed emotions.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Pearce praised Cucurella for his contribution but criticised his antics late in the game.

“I thought Cucurella did well. I’ve got to give it to Cucurella (Man of the Match). His energy up and down the pitch, he’s got the breakthrough goal that was really important. He was a real irritant to Brentford,” Pearce said.

Cucurella’s relentless energy and ability to trouble Brentford’s defence earned him plaudits as he played a significant role in securing the win.

Pearce highlighted how the defender’s consistent performance throughout the game stood out, adding, “I’ve got to give it to him, consistently he was very good.”

However, the post-match incident overshadowed Cucurella’s otherwise solid display. After earning a yellow card late in the game for a cynical foul, Cucurella received a second booking following a heated clash with Kevin Schade after the final whistle. The red card means the Spaniard will miss Chelsea’s upcoming clash against Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.

Pearce expressed his frustration with Cucurella’s actions after the final whistle, saying, “He irritated me at the end of the game by getting sent off and going to the ground cheaply.”