Chelsea fans believe that not even Lionel Messi in his prime could help save the club as the team’s poor form continued with a 2-1 defeat to London rivals Fulham on Thursday (January 12) night. To exacerbate matters, new loan signing Joao Felix was sent off on his debut.
Graham Potter’s side continued to struggle as Marco Silva’s high-flying Cottagers deservedly beat them. The Blues’ poor luck continued as their former winger Willian scored Fulham’s opener in the 25th minute.
The Brazilian cut inside and sent a right-footed effort deflecting past Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Potter’s men looked to react, with debutant Felix pulling the strings and threatening. They got the equaliser in the 47th minute when Kalidou Koulibaly squeezed the ball in from close range to level proceedings.
However, it was downhill from there for the Stamford Bridge outfit, as Felix was given his marching orders in the 58th minute. The Portuguese attacker smashed into Kenny Tete with his studs showing. It got worse in the 73rd minute when Fulham capitalised on their numerical advantage.
Carlos Vinicius, filling in for the suspended Aleksandr Mitrovic, headed home the winner to send Craven Cottage into a frenzy as the Blues slumped to their eighth league defeat of the season.
Blues fans want the nightmare to end, as the team sit tenth in the Premier League, trailing fourth-placed Manchester United by ten points, having played a game more.
The No. 10 many would love to have in their side is Messi. However, the Stamford Bridge faithful are doubtful that even the legendary Argentine in his prime would help change things for Potter’s men.
Here are some reactions from fans on Twitter following another miserable night for the Blues, with many unhappy with the manager:
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola mentions Messi when talking about Chelsea sticking by Potter
Chelsea‘s defeat was their fifth in seven league games, heaping the pressure on Potter. He arrived at Stamford Bridge in September, succeeding Thomas Tuchel, and was handed a six-year contract.
The consensus was that the new Blues owners were seeking a long-term plan and that Potter was the right man for the job. However, his side are at real danger of missing out on the top four.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola wants the west London giants to stick by Potter despite the slump they’re enduring. He said that he kicked off his Barcelona career without needing time, as he had Messi to call on (via GOAL):
“I’d say to Todd Boehly: give Graham Potter time. Give him time. All the managers need time, and he is right. I know at big clubs results are important, but give him time. What he did at Brighton was outstanding, but all the managers need time; he is right. In Barcelona, I didn’t need two seasons because I had (Lionel) Messi there.”
Potter’s men host Crystal Palace on Sunday (January 15), where they will look for a positive result.