I didn’t think I could still be bothered by any Chelsea performances for the rest of the season, but I was clearly wrong. Sunday’s display was devoid of any fight or passion from the squad against Manchester City’s B team.
And while the final result doesn’t ultimately matter, I would’ve liked to see an ounce of emotion from any of the starting XI in a match that the Blues had a legitimate chance at winning. It points to a mentality problem in the changing room that’s plagued the club for nearly the entire year. The leadership that came from well-respected players like Antonio Rudiger is gone, while veterans like Thiago Silva and Mateo Kovacic appear to have checked out of their responsibilities.
Whether this is due to their potential departures when the transfer window opens in a few weeks or just a general frustration with the way the campaign has turned out is unclear, but someone will need to step up and fill the massive void they’ve left.
Looking ahead, the Blues will travel across to the red side of Manchester on Thursday for their penultimate game of the Premier League season. At last, sweet relief. While these 90’ will be relatively meaningless for the club from the capital, the Red Devils and their supporters will be desperate for at least the point that secures them a spot in next year’s Champions League group stage.