Thomas Tuchel fine start to reign as Chelsea manager has been thwarted by the relegated threatened West Bromwich Albion, The Blues were defeated at the Bridge 5-2 by the Baggies. 2 goals each for Costa Pereira and Callum Robinson on either half of the 90 minutes completed West Brom comeback who had earlier gone down to Christian Pulisic 27th minute opener.
The 47-year-old German had gone on a record 14-straight matches unbeaten in all competitions since his arrival at Samford Bridge. Chelsea, under Tuchel, has won 10 and drew 4, keeping 12 clean sheets in those matches and conceded just 2 league goals. Conceding 5 goals against West Brom was a major upset and a reality check for Chelsea gaffer.
The tie started badly for Albion when defender Dara O'Shea clattered with a teammate and got injured in the process. On came former Chelsea legend and 3-time premier league winner for The Blues Branislav Ivanovic for Albion. The ex Chelsea player lasted just about 13 minutes of play for Albion after pulling a hamstring and was replaced.
It looks like a routine win for Chelsea when Pulisic opened the scoresheet from a rebound, however, the Blues were reduced to 10 men soon after the goal when centre defender Thiago Silva received his marching order for 2 bookable offences. Albion immediately got their impetus with the extra man and were rewarded with 2 goals just before the halftime whistle with Pereira's double in 1st half added time.
Albion pulled further away after the restart with another 2 quick-fired goals from Callum Robinson(63') and Mbaye Diagne(68'). Mason Mount came ON at the start of the 2nd half and reduced the deficit for The Blues in the 71st minute but it was too little, too late. Robinson(90') completed his double to make sure of an emphatic 5-2 win over Chelsea.
A win for 5th place West Ham will see the Hammers leapfrog Chelsea into 4th place with a point, as the race for UEFA Champions League hots up.
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