Argentine Mauricio Pochettino’s future as Chelsea manager appears to be hanging by a thread after his side’s 5-0 hammering against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium. Kai Havertz scored twice against his former club as Arsenal tightened their grip on top spot in the Premier League by denting Chelsea’s European aspirations with a crushing win….CONTINUE READING
Gunners forward Havertz, who made a £65million switch from Stamford Bridge last summer, registered two of four second-half goals on a remarkable evening at a jubilant Emirates Stadium.
Defender Ben White also claimed a brace for Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing side, adding to Leandro Trossard’s early opener, as the Blues’ recent resurgence floundered embarrassingly in the absence of key man Cole Palmer.
The victory moved Arsenal three points ahead of second-placed Liverpool, having now played one game more while reigning champions Manchester City sit four points behind with two matches in hand.
Rumours were swirling around Pochettino’s future after the match, with the Chelsea boss admitting he had no excuses for his side’s humbling.
“It’s not difficult to explain,” admitted the Blues boss. “Everyone saw we didn’t compete from the beginning of the game.
“After we conceded, I think the team was so soft. I’m so disappointed with the start because we’re supposed to have full energy and compete better.
“We were not aggressive and we did not concentrate in situations where it is easy to find the solution. That is why we’re so disappointed.
“We were talking at half-time to start differently. But we start badly. In 10, 15 minutes in the second half, when we conceded the third goal, we gave up. It was tough on them until the end of the game.
“We competed well against Manchester City, it was a fantastic game. But then we did not compete three days later. Maybe we were not fresh.
“It’s not fair to talk about the players we are missing. From the start of the season, we have been missing so many players every single week. One team is competing in the Premier League. The other team is competing with all the circumstances we have.
“The team showed a lack of capacity to resist, that is what is the problem.
“Arsenal is a very good team. But I think we allowed them to play. We have all the possibility to play and create chances [to them]. That is why we’re so disappointed. In some parts of the game. it was an even game, but we are too inconsistent.”
When asked whether his side’s hopes of qualifying for Europe next season were gone, he added: “Now it is difficult to see the future because, after this game, we feel disappointed. It is difficult to talk about objectives. If we compete like today, I think we deserve to go into Europe. I think in this way, no.”
Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher defended his team as he insisted their commitment cannot be questioned.
“We are putting the effort in,” said Gallagher. “I know how much it means to all the boys. It is a very young squad with not much experience as a team in the Premier League.
“We have had a lot of ups and downs and we are still improving as a team to get to the next level and today was one of those days we were nowhere near it. But also we will look at the performance and where we can improve and move forward.”
The win fired Arsenal four points clear at the top of the table, but Manchester City are still in pole position to win the title as they have two games in hand.
“I’m really happy with the performance, collectively and individually,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
“To stand up in a big match against a big opponent and to get a result with the performance that we had today, makes me pleased.
“From the beginning, we looked really sharp, really active, sharp, aggressive off the ball.
“I have analysed every game from them [Chelsea] and they have been outstanding. They have played some big teams and were better than them, they’ve deserved better results. I think they are a great team. They are extremely well-coached with good individuals. Credit to our players, they’ve done well today.
“The energy, the belief in the team, every time we had the opportunity to go forward we did.”
