Thomas Tuchel seems to be lost for solutions to Chelsea's inability to keep clean sheets. Considering his side's defensive reputation it must be a hard pill to swallow knowing that every game is a struggle to lock out the opposition.
The Blues lost against Everton and fans just can't seem to figure out how we have fallen into this rot. Once again, Chelsea are in a top-four battle after their North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham managed to secure three points over the weekend. It was an individual error from Cesar Azpilicueta that led to Everton's only goal and it's not the first time that this has happened.
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Blame culture seems to be non-existent in the Thomas Tuchel era. He is not a manager to complain, nor is he the type to call out a single player on their mistakes. Following the defeat to Everton, the Chelsea boss was asked about what can be done about the individual errors leading to goals.
"What can I do? The ball is free, then give a goal away. It is the worst thing that can happen to you in this atmosphere and situation," he explained. "It happens too often, and we struggle to play without big mistakes. That's why we struggle to have results."
Chelsea has won just one game in their last four Premier League matches. For a side that was tipped to win the Premier League earlier this season, they sure seem to have become a shadow of themselves. There's no solution to individual errors. There's also no solution to the lack of chances being buried. It's a situation that the Blues have battled before Tuchel's arrival, but this time we could actually get punished.
I like to stay positive in times like this. If there is a manager that can change the state of the team's performances it is Tuchel. However, the players need to help themselves. Arsenal are now just three points behind them, dragging them into a battle with Tottenham just five points further behind. With four matches left to play for, there are 12 points up for grabs and Chelsea must attain every single last one.
"I said it many weeks ago that I didn't ever feel safe. We are never safe." Thomas Tuchel says during his post-match press conference.
"By the way, if we are in a race for top one, top two, or top four, no matter what the race, the last four games to only have four points will never be enough, no matter which race we are in.
"We have to take care of ourselves. At the moment, we don't get the points when we play well and deserve more, and we lose when we play okay, this is a bad mixture."
Mikel Arteta and his young group are beaming with confidence whilst Antonio Conte's Spurs have found the right balance for Harry Kane and Heung Min-son. We're going into extra time for a top four challenge. Anything can happen.
I might be a little bit dramatic, but it would be naive of any of us to feel relaxed. It's down to the players to stay 100% focused and committed right until the end of the season to avoid a potential disaster.
