“It was all bad; Get Potter out”- Fans slam Graham Potter as Chelsea crumbles against bottom-placed Southampton in Premier League
Graham Potter's days look to be numbered as Chelsea lose at home to Southampton
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The pressure keeps on rising on Chelsea boss Graham Potter after another home loss in the Premier League in hands of Southampton on Saturday. Potter’s men conceded right before the break but they failed to equalise despite a sustained period of pressure and twelve extra minutes of added time. The Blues’ fans are now asking for the manager to be shown the door after
Both teams started the game strong trying to claim the midfield. Potter’s team lined up with a midfield double-pivot of Mateo Kovacic and Enzo Fernandes while the Saints decided to let Romeo Lavia and James Word-Prowse control the game. As the midfield battle raged on, it became a cagey affair. Both teams had considerable cracks at the goal but neither managed to trouble the opposition custodians.
While it certainly looked to stay goalless at the break, Southampton won a free kick near the ‘JWP zone’, around 23 yards out. The Southampton captain swung his wand of a right foot to give his team a vital lead at Stamford Bridge.
In the second half, Chelsea looked much more threatening with and without the ball. Potter brought on Wesley Fofana and Rahim Sterling for Kalidou Koulibaly and David Datro Fofana. He also took off the full-backs and shifted to a three-man defence. This gave Chelsea a huge advantage in the midfield as they controlled 71% of the ball in the second half and had 11 shots on goal.
Kai Havertz was the most effective forward player on the pitch creating 3 chances in just 26 minutes after coming on. But it was another disastrous game for Mason Mount and big-money signing Mikhaylo Mudryk. After this game, Chelsea has managed only 23 goals in as many games, fifth from the bottom in the league.
Southampton held on to grind out the win to end their three-match losing streak. The win might carry immense significance for the Saints who are bottom of the league. They have closed the gap to safety and need to cover just three more points to get out of the zone.
Graham Potter feeling the ‘Blues’ as fans want him removed
The loss might ring the bell for the former Brighton and Hove Albion manager as the north-London side finds itself halfway down the table after 23 games. Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has broken the banks during the January transfer window, bringing in sufficient firepower to boost their season. Yet, they have managed just 8 wins all season and none since the window closed.
Chelsea fans were left fuming after the match frustrated at the team’s inability to score. Fans chanted “sacked in the morning” during the later phase of the game, a popular chant for coaches under pressure.
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Arpan Ghosh
(1403 Articles Published)