Argentine Mauricio Pochettino’s tenure as Chelsea manager seems precarious following his team’s 5-0 defeat against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium.
Kai Havertz, facing his former club, scored twice as Arsenal tightened their grip on the top spot in the Premier League, dealing a blow to Chelsea’s European aspirations with a resounding victory.
Gunners forward Havertz, who made a £65 million move from Stamford Bridge last summer, contributed two of the four second-half goals on an extraordinary evening at a jubilant Emirates Stadium.
Defender Ben White also netted twice for Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing side, in addition to Leandro Trossard’s early goal, as Chelsea’s recent resurgence faltered in the absence of key player Cole Palmer.
The win propelled Arsenal three points clear of second-placed Liverpool, although they have played one more game, while reigning champions Manchester City sit four points behind with two games in hand.
Speculation surrounding Pochettino’s future intensified after the match, with the Chelsea boss acknowledging that he had no excuses for his team’s humiliating defeat.
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.”
