Graham Potter's Chelsea side continued a poor run of form after a 2-0 loss to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup third round.
The defeat means it is just two wins in seven matches for the new manager and a run of three consecutive defeats after exiting the cup they were finalists in last season. The Blues' match against Newcaslte in the Premier League is the more important fixture of the week though, with a win crucial to keeping top four hopes in the minds of fans.
Chelsea battled throughout the game but conceded two goals in four minutes to have the game effectively wound up in the early stages of the second half. Had it not been for some stunning saves from Stefan Ortega Potter's side may well have had more for their trip.
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Fans that are already disconnected and annoyed at Chelsea this season have extra ammunition against Potter though as the upcoming World Cup provides an important break and a chance to press reset.
Here's how the national media reacted to the match.
Jamie Jackson writes: "Manchester City’s class killed off Chelsea in the second half on a night when Jack Grealish shone and Gareth Southgate was heartened by a 41-minute run-out for Kalvin Phillips that more than doubled his game-time for the season on the eve of the England manager announcing his World Cup squad.
"City deserved to win and the “magnificent” display from Grealish – as characterised by Pep Guardiola – is a welcome augury for the Three Lions’ hopes in Qatar. Phillips, like the winger, can hope to be in the 26-man party after recovering from a dislocated shoulder."
He added: For Graham Potter the defeat means Chelsea have only two wins in their past seven games and the end of their chances in one competition they would hope to win. The manager takes Chelsea to a resurgent Newcastle on Saturday in need of victory."
Justin Lawrence writes: "Fans were fuming with Kalidou Koulibaly for his role in Chelsea's wall after Manchester City went ahead in the Carabao Cup.
"Koulibaly was drafted in by the Blues in the summer from Napoli to shore up their defence following Antonio Rudiger's departure. But the £33million signing seemed to forget his purpose as he shirked his defensive responsibilities against the Cityzens on Wednesday night.
"The scores were level in the cup tie with the game approaching the hour mark when City won a free-kick on the edge of the Blues' box. And Blues keeper Édouard Mendy could only watch in awe as Riyad Mahrez's sweetly struck effort evaded Chelsea's wall and flew past him into the back of net."
Marc Mayo writes: "Manchester City scored a quickfire double after the break to get the better of Chelsea in their Carabao Cup third-round tie.
"A lively first half saw City dominate possession as Chelsea looked to break out on the counter, which suited the visitors given their struggles when faced with the home team’s pressing game.
"Jack Grealish threatened early on but City were missing the presence of Erling Haaland, who started on the bench, to gobble up their inviting crosses into the box.
"Kalidou Koulibaly was lucky to only receive a yellow card after tripping Grealish as the last man outside the box, just after Rico Lewis got a vital toe to deny Christian Pulisic a 13th-minute opener."
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