Carney Chukwuemeka defends 'big brother' Raheem Sterling as Chelsea star makes Cole Palmer point

Young Chelsea star Carney Chukwuemeka has praised Raheem Sterling, calling him his «big brother», despite the mixed reactions Sterling received during the Blues' FA Cup victory over Leicester.

Sterling left the pitch late in the game to a mix of cheers and boos, with some fans near the Stamford Bridge dugout urging manager Mauricio Pochettino to substitute him. Earlier in the match, he had missed two great opportunities to help wrap up the game, which Chelsea eventually won 4-2 thanks to last-minute goals from substitutes Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke.

Sterling faced criticism from some home supporters for taking the ball from regular penalty taker Cole Palmer after winning a first-half penalty, which was then saved by Leicester goalkeeper Jakub Stolarczyk. There was more frustration when he sent a free-kick from 20 yards out high into the stand behind the goal, with Pochettino loudly booed as he chose to substitute Mykhailo Mudryk who had played well instead of Sterling in the 78th minute.

The 29-year-old Englishman was finally substituted four minutes before the end of the match. Chukwuemeka, who scored his first goal at Stamford Bridge to make the score 3-2 two minutes into extra time, strongly defended Sterling, saying he is a key influence among Chelsea's young players.

«Raheem is an experienced player, he's had an amazing career,» he said. «We know what a great footballer he is. He's contributed to goals, assists, won so many penalties for the team this season.

»It happens. He's human. Players miss chances, have an off day. We stay behind him. He still got an assist for Cole's goal (which put Chelsea 2-0 up).

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