Following Chelsea’s heavy loss to Leeds United at the Elland Road, fans of the Blues acknowleged that there were problems all over the pitch. It was obvious to see here that there will be concerns for the new owners and fanbase about a fortuitous display from Tuchel’s men which might need addressing with further signings.
Mendy might have made an uncharacteristic gaffe for Leeds’ opener, but the wider concern in the game will be about Chelsea’s midfield – an area many fans harped about since the transfer window opened.
Academy graduate Connor Gallagher struggled alongside Jorginho and it further exposed an area of the field in which Chelsea were missing injured duo N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic.
Both were replaced after an hour, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek moving inwards and Hakim Ziyech alongside Christian Pulisic brought on to try rescue things. Other than Reece James having a shot saved by Leeds’ Illan Meslier, Chelsea failed to carve out many clear-cut openings as their attack faltered.
In what was his 6oth Premier League match in charge of the Blues, Tuchel’s side have conceded twice as many goals (34) in his last 30 games as they did in his first 30 (17). This stat is a major cause for concern and the German tactician, who believes his midfield issues will dissipate without more additions, must now look for a long-term solution to his defence leaking goals.
Koulibaly’s miserable afternoon was completed when he earned an early bath after he was shown a second yellow card for holding back substitute Joe Gelhardt. Thomas Tuchel would be cursing his luck in the last two matches after seeing his side succumb to a derby draw at home to Spurs and this resounding defeat away from home.