Behind the scenes at Chelsea, it has been very eventful to say the least over the past few weeks. So when Brentford came to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, it seemed like the perfect chance for Blues supporters to see some normality on the pitch.
However, the Bees stunned everyone in the all-London derby. Antonio Rudiger handed Chelsea the lead just after half-time, but Vitaly Janelt equalised two minutes later, before Christian Eriksen handed the visitors the lead in west London.
Janelt was on hand to make it 3-1 to Brentford on the hour-mark, before Yoane Wissa wrapped up the game with an 87th-minute strike. After the game, Thomas Tuchel insisted his side 'did not defend mature enough'.
READ MORE: Every word Thomas Tuchel said on Chelsea vs Brentford, Rudiger, Mendy, Real Madrid and more
He said: "I don't know why. We gave a big chance straight away after the goal, and then the next one was a goal. From there, we did not defend mature enough.
"We were not aware of the danger in these moments which is also very strange for us. We got punished. They made the most of these ten minutes which is maybe not normal. So it's a summary of strange events but it's on us and it's our fault.
"It was a tough start for us. We felt a bit leggy which is normal after the international break. But after maybe 20-25 minutes we controlled the match, controlled the rhythm and got better and better. We became more fluid, created half-chances and deliveries, and second half I was happy with the start."
As they do with every game, the UK's national media have been reacting to Chelsea's shock defeat - and they have not held back. The Guardian said: "Chelsea could not live with them, even though they went ahead when Antonio Rüdiger ended his quest for a long-range goal with a scorching drive just after half-time.
"The worry for Thomas Tuchel will be how easily it all unravelled, particularly as his side’s next assignment is the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid. Tellingly, there were no excuses from Tuchel about events off the pitch serving as a distraction. After all it is unlikely that Chelsea’s players had paid much attention to the pre-game protests against the Ricketts family.
"Tuchel has told them to focus on their football ever since Roman Abramovich was sanctioned and although the ownership situation is a long way from being resolved, this defeat was simply down to Brentford outplaying Chelsea."
Meanwhile, the Express said: "The Bees pulled off one of the unlikeliest wins of the campaign as a frantic second-half saw them fire in four goals through Yoane Wissa, Christian Eriksen and a Vitaly Yanelt double to complete a 4-1 rout."
The Telegraph said: "The Brentford fans chanted 'we want five' as Stamford Bridge emptied out and Chelsea thoughts turned to the small matter of their next visitors on Wednesday night - Real Madrid in the Champions League."
