Thiago Silva and Jorginho were terrible while almost the entire team struggled as Chelsea were stunned 2-5 by West Brom at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Chelsea’s 14-game unbeaten streak under Thomas Tuchel came to a screeching halt this weekend as they were thrashed 2-5 by relegation battlers West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge.
Things began in the worst possible way for Chelsea, as returning defender Thiago Silva was sent off for two bookable offences within the first half-hour of the game. This happened just two minutes after the Blues had managed to take the lead through Christian Pulisic, who struck home the rebound following Marcos Alonso’s free-kick hitting the post.
Chelsea could not hold on to their lead for long, though, as a quickfire double from Matheus Pereira in the first half stoppage time meant the Baggies went in with a lead. Early into the second period, Sam Allardyce’s side made it 3-1 courtesy of a thumping strike from Callum Robinson, before Mbaye Diagne applied the finishing touches to a sweeping team move to make it 4-1.
Mason Mount pulled one back for Chelsea, who came close to scoring another but saw Alonso strike the woodwork again. As the game entered into stoppage time, the Blues were condemned to more misery, with Robinson making it 5-2 with a lovely chip over Edouard Mendy.
It was the first defeat of the Thomas Tuchel era, with Chelsea conceding five goals after having let in just two up until that point under the German in the Premier League. And here’s how we rated the performances of the Blues’ stars on what was a disappointing afternoon.
Edouard Mendy: 4/10
Caught in no man’s land, allowing Pereira to lift the ball over him and into the back of the net for the first goal. Beaten all ends up by Matt Phillips soon after but was saved by the woodwork. Not a lot he could have done about the rest of the goals as he was left exposed by a leaky backline.
Cesar Azpilicueta: 4/10
Just could not cope with the West Brom attackers each time they came forward. Put Reece James under pressure with a poor pass leading to the second goal for West Brom. Part of a backline that looked way too shaky.
Thiago Silva: 3/10
Thiago Silva has been sent off in a league game for the first time since May 2013 for PSG against Valenciennes FC.
Headed for an early shower. ? pic.twitter.com/mOApnA9G0G
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 3, 2021
Making his first appearance since February having recovered from his injury, Silva was lucky not to see red for his reckless challenge early in the game. Did get his marching orders soon after, though, for another reckless attempt to make a block. Let his team down in a huge way.
Kurt Zouma: 4/10
Should have dealt with the long ball from Sam Johnstone that led to West Brom’s equaliser. Like those around him, just did not look comfortable enough in his defensive duties or when he was on the ball.
Reece James: 5/10
Provided an outlet going forward and did force Johnstone into a couple of saves while also hitting in some good crosses. But not good enough defensively. Played a part in West Brom’s second goal with a sloppy backpass to Jorginho.
Jorginho: 3/10
I hate to say it, but that’s three Jorginho errors leading to three game-changing moments today.
Causes (indirectly) both Thiago Silva yellow cards, and then heads backwards to allow West Brom to score their 2nd. Not good enough. #CHEWBA pic.twitter.com/oul11ys1KR
— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) April 3, 2021
Back after recovering from a knee injury, Jorginho was sloppy and sluggish from the word go as he gave the ball away cheaply on numerous occasions, leading to Silva’s two yellow cards, West Brom’s second goal as well as a few other chances. Did play some good-looking forward passes into Alonso and Timo Werner but does not atone for his clumsiness that cost Chelsea big time.
Mateo Kovacic: 6/10
One of the brightest players for Chelsea on the afternoon, although that is not saying much. Nevertheless, offered plenty of direct running when on the ball, forcing his way into the final third and creating a few chances for his teammates. Was not always quick enough to track back, although he did make five tackles to go along with his five dribbles.
Mateo Kovacic stats vs WestBrom #CHEWBA
•107 Touches
•5/9 long balls
•4/4 Dribbles completed
•2 Key passes
•5 Tackles
•10/15 Ground duels won
•1/1 Aerial duel won
•80% pass success
•2 ShotsNo help ? pic.twitter.com/moJiZrq870
— MK17 (@KovacicXtra) April 3, 2021
Marcos Alonso: 5/10
Looked a threat in attack with his movement and late runs at the backpost. Drew a save from Johnstone early on before striking the post from a free-kick leading to Pulisic’s goal. Struck the post again in the second half. For all his attacking verve, was nowhere near good enough at the back with the likes of Pereira and Phillips getting the better of him time and again.
Hakim Ziyech: 5/10
Wasted a couple of chances to set his teammates through by overhitting his passes. Did deliver one threatening cross which was well-dealt by the West Brom defence. Sacrificed for Andreas Christensen following Silva’s red card.
Timo Werner: 5/10
Looks devoid of confidence as he failed to offer any sort of goal threat on the afternoon. Did show good composure and decision-making to set Mount for the second goal, although had he been in form, he would have buried it himself. Made two key passes but no shot on target for the misfiring German.
Christian Pulisic: 5/10
Christian Pulisic has scored his first Premier League goal since December 5th against Leeds United.
Finally back on the scoresheet. pic.twitter.com/1xsPDNA1S9
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 3, 2021
Reacted well to pounce on the rebound and put it into the back of the net to hand Chelsea the lead. Did not do much of note apart from that, though, and made way for Mount at half-time.
SUBSTITUTES
Andreas Christensen: 4/10
Replaced Ziyech and slotted into the three-man backline. Shaky throughout as he lacked any sort of calmness and composure at the back.
Mason Mount: 5/10
Failed to deal with a pass leading to West Brom’s fourth goal of the afternoon. Pulled one back soon after and looked to take the game to the Baggies.
Kai Havertz: 4/10
Replaced Jorginho with less than twenty minutes left. Did not have enough time to help turn things around.
