THOMAS TUCHEL’S unbeaten start as Chelsea boss ended in stunning fashion.
The Blues were beaten 5-2 at home to West Brom, with Thiago Silva’s sending off the catalyst to the Blues woes.
Doubles from Matheus Pereira and Callum Robinson and a Mbaye Diagne goal left Chelsea shocked.
Christian Pulisic’s opener and Mason Mount consolation made the result slightly more respectable.
Here Jack Figg rates Tuchel’s performers.
Edouard Mendy – 5
Composed as ever on the ball and given barely anything to do before picking the ball out of his net twice before half time.
Caught off his line for the second and lobbed, but was not given much chance for the Baggies’ other three.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5
Nothing the experienced skipper could do to prevent Chelsea from succumbing to a first defeat under new boss Tuchel.
The Spaniard will have to pick his players up ahead of their Champions League tie with Porto.
Thiago Silva – 3
Another nightmare playing against the Baggies, following his horror debut in September, where he gave the ball away for the opening goal.
This time, two fouls and two bookings and the Brazilian was sent off, ending his return to the squad in disastrous fashion.
Kurt Zouma – 5
Preferred over Antonio Rudiger, the Frenchman started the game well. But could only watch as Pereira snuck behind him for West Brom’s first goal.
Had a golden chance to pull one back with 15 minutes to go, but blazed it over after a corner fell to him in the box.
Reece James – 6
A constant threat in the first half bombing down the right and also coming centrally to give space for Ziyech on the wing.
Even with a man down the wingback gave Chelsea hope of pulling a goal back, providing crosses into the box.
Marcos Alonso – 5
As ever the Spaniard was excellent going forward, making runs towards the back post, but going back he leaves Chelsea’s left hand side so exposed.
Hit the post with Chelsea 2-1 down, as Sam Johnstone fumbled a catch but Alonso was off balance when he swung his right boot at the ball.
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Jorginho – 3
Looked sloppy from the get-go, passes all over the place and most vitally conceded possession too often.
He lost the ball before Silva’s second yellow, and also for West Brom’s second goal. Miracle he survived more than 45 minutes.
Mateo Kovacic – 7
The Croatian gives Chelsea a lot going forward, picking up the ball and driving but couldn’t provide a final product.
Looked to be Tuchel’s most promising player even when they were down, with forward passes and runs.
Hakim Ziyech – 6
Looked to be getting on the ball early on, drifting inside and providing width on the right.
But he has Silva to thank for his early substitution, having been replaced by Andreas Christensen.
Chrisian Pulisic – 7
Lively from the off and showed great instincts to follow up on Alonso’s free-kick to open the scoring.
Sacrificed at half time for Mason Mount, much to the frustration of the American who is fighting for his place in the starting 11.
Timo Werner – 5
A threat when running in behind, but was not getting the service required. Despite his pace on the ball, with it the German is less comfortable.
Provided another assist, this time for Mount as he cut it back to the midfielder who grabbed one back.
SUBS
Andreas Christensen (for Ziyech 34 mins) – Was closest to Pereira who raced through on goal for West Brom’s second.
Mason Mount (for Pulisic 45mins) – Instantly gave Chelsea more going forward and Werner put his goal on a plate for the midfielder.
Kai Havertz (for Jorginho 72 mins) – Too little too late for the German to make an impact.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
