Man City 4-0 Chelsea – what next for the Blues?
It’s been a tough start at Chelsea for new manager Graham Potter, whose first few months have been troubled and show no signs of improvement.
Sunday’s FA Cup third-round match against Manchester City saw the Blues lose 4-0, exiting the FA Cup before reaching the fourth round – the first time in 25 seasons.
In the Premier League, Chelsea are currently in 10th place, with just one win from their last eight matches.
Alan Shearer described the first-half performance during the City game as “unacceptable”, “embarrassing” and “pathetic” whilst manager Potter said Chelsea were “clearly suffering as a football club.”
Chelsea exit FA Cup after loss to City
Riyad Mahrez scored twice – a penalty and an incredible free kick, and strikes from Julian Alvarez and Phil Foden added to a goal total of four. The team’s win was well deserved as they put on a dominant display from the beginning.
Chelsea sacked Thomas Tuchel – who won three trophies in 20 months at Chelsea, back in September. During that time the Blues were sixth in the Premier League following a summer of spending.
But new club owner, American Todd Boehly gave Tuchel the boot and brought in Potter from Brighton. A move that has so far not paid off – Chelsea are now 10 points off the Champions League spots.
Chelsea’s performance during City match was ‘painful’
Chelsea did not get a single shot in the first half. Boss Potter described it as “painful”.
Chelsea have been hit with many injuries – nine players are out of the fixture, but Potter notes there’s no room for excuses.
“The results in a small space of time are not positive.
“You can make excuses and look for reasons or say it isn’t good enough. Both of those answers are correct.
“We have to keep improving and stick together because clearly we are suffering as a football club and it’s not nice at all. But that’s where we are at the moment.
“We can’t do anything apart from do our jobs better and work harder. You understand the supporters’ frustration, we respect that. But our job is to keep working.”
Manchester City raced into a 3-0 lead on Sunday in the first half, and whilst City scored again in the second-half, Chelsea slightly improved after the break.
However, the troubles at the club are crystal clear and this FA Cup exit will only heighten the anger. Chelsea’s new owner may need to go back to the drawing board.
