04 April,2021 08:04 AM IST | London | AFP
Chelsea’s Thiago Silva is shown the red card by the referee. Pic/AFP
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel suffered the first defeat of his reign as struggling West Bromwich Albion took advantage of Thiago Silva's red card to earn a stunning 5-2 win on Saturday.
Tuchel had overseen a 14-match unbeaten run in all competitions since replacing the sacked Frank Lampard in January. But that impressive start came to an embarrassing end as West Brom ran riot at Stamford Bridge.
Christian Pulisic put Chelsea ahead early in the first half, only for Brazil defender Thiago to get his marching orders. That proved the turning point as Albion's Matheus Pereira struck twice in first half stoppage-time. Mbaye Diagne grabbed West Brom's third goal and Callum Robinson netted twice to leave Tuchel shell-shocked.
Chelsea players wear a dejected look during their 2-5 loss to West Brom in an EPL tie on Saturday. Pic/AFP
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Mason Mount's reply was no consolation as Chelsea's bid to qualify for next season's Champions League via a Top 4 finish in the EPL suffered a significant blow. The Blues, beaten for the first time in 10 league games, remain fourth for now.
"We were unable to cope with the red card. I don't know why. We gave away two very easy goals," Tuchel said. "What could go wrong went wrong after the red card. Every shot was a goal from them."
After conceding just two goals to start Tuchel's reign, this was a rude awakening for Chelsea. It was the worst possible preparation for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Porto on Wednesday.
"It's important we digest it. I did not see it coming, now we have to take our responsibilities - me included - and shake it off," Tuchel said. "It's a wake-up call. We will get the right response."
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