Tuchel on mistakes, Rudiger and Christensen injuries, Azpilicueta confronting fan

Now that Chelsea fans have allowed time to digest and reflect on an unacceptable 4-2 defeat by Arsenal at Stamford Bridge – the Blues will still be dismayed. We shall never know what difference a higher allocation of Pensioners support with tickets may have made to proceedings. Nevertheless, the Gunners were triumphant. Two goals, from Timo Werner, as well as Cesar Azpilicueta would usually be enough to push the game in the direction of the home side ordinarily. But alas that wasn’t to be, as a brace from Eddie Nketiah, along with finishes via Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka won the contest.

To be honest, further match reporting and analysis feels a bit futile as tempers remain flared. So, rather than focus more attention on the CFC display for now, Pride of London would like to have your attention for something positive – for a moment. ‘Chels’ legend Didier Drogba was recently inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame. And well deserved that accolade is: 254 appearances,104 goals and four division titles. Simply stunning. The Ivorian icon joins legends Patrick Vieira, Wayne Rooney, Ian Wright, Kasper Schmeichel, Paul Scholes, Vincent Kompany and Sergio Aguero.

After the pitiful loss to Arsenal, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel spoke to the media

In a brief yet fiery press conference following the Gunners game, Tuchel addressed various topics. It is clear to tell the German cares and is invested in what is best for CFC. This latest setback also comes at a very stressful time for all staff at the club. When asked if he will evaluate the contest – which he will naturally do in-depth – Tuchel claimed there was nothing to analyse, as the squad had not learned lessons from the Real Madrid and Brentford disappointments.

Additional subjects covered included injuries to Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen. First of all, Rudiger, and it is bad news. The talented centreback is not expected to play versus West Ham United on Sunday, thanks to a groin issue. Meanwhile Christensen, who made a terrible error for the first AFC goal netted by Nketiah, was withdrawn at halftime because of a problem. Tuchel made it abundantly clear that he does not substitute players for one mistake. A few followers did single out the Dane as he clearly struggled again, however.

Some Chels supporters on social media, large and small accounts, criticised the gaffer for selecting the wrong lineup and tactics. Team rotation was implemented and some personnel, such as Malang Sarr, were censured due to unsatisfactory efforts. Certain of the faithful point to Sarr asserting that the inferior showing from the Frenchman is indicative of a lack of truly high calibre or promising depth of roster.

The final incident discussed from a tempestuous feeling occasion all around, was Azpilicueta confronting a Blues spectator. Incidentally, the captain scored and gave away a penalty during the meeting. Yet it was what happened after the final whistle which is being widely reported. Azpi took offence to something unknown which was said by an observer; nothing happened apart from exchanging words. Subsequently, Tuchel said he could ‘understand‘ frustration from fans.