Chelsea’s supporters have flooded to social media on Saturday evening, to single one individual out for widespread blame on the back of the club’s shock defeat to Brentford.
Thomas Tuchel’s troops, of course, marked their post-international break return to action a short time ago.
Keen to put further distance between themselves and the top-4 chasing pack, in particular capital rivals Arsenal, the Blues welcomed the aforementioned Brentford to Stamford Bridge, for what, on paper, was expected to prove a comfortable afternoon’s work.
In turn, upon Antonio Rudiger guiding the hosts into the lead courtesy of a long-range pile-driver minutes into the 2nd-half, Chelsea looked well on their way to their latest three-point haul:
RUDIGER SCREAMER!
?: @USA_Network #MyPLMorning | #CHEBRE pic.twitter.com/1AB3gZYOgm
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 2, 2022
A twist, and a major one at that, however, remained in the tale…
First, just minutes on from Rudiger’s opener, Vitaly Janelt pulled Brentford level, before Christian Eriksen continued his remarkable return to form courtesy of a quickfire Bees 2nd:
Christian Eriksen scores his first club goal since returning to soccer!
Brentford lead 2-1. There have been THREE Goals in the past 8 minutes!
?: @USA_Network #MyPLMorning | #CHEBRE pic.twitter.com/yzvrBYHquj— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) April 2, 2022
Then, with the home support around Stamford Bridge still firmly shellshocked, Thomas Frank’s visitors struck once more, as Janelt doubled his tally for the day.
Incredibly, however, the siege was not yet complete, as, with just minutes remaining in the 90 at Stamford Bridge, a rampant Brentford added further gloss to the scoreline, courtesy of a Yoane Wissa 4th, to mark a historic day for all associated with the club.
Tuchel targeted
On the back of the action coming to a close in west London on Saturday, it should therefore come as little surprise to hear of the Chelsea faithful being firmly up in arms.
Fans of the Blues have taken to social media in their absolute numbers, to make their frustrations with a whole host of players and staff members alike crystal clear.
None, however, has been more widely targeted post-match than manager Thomas Tuchel.
Evidently of the opinion that their beloved boss got it completely wrong with both his team selection and game plan on the day, those of a Chelsea persuasion have not held back, with just some of the highlights from across Twitter showcased below:
I’m sorry but Tuchel this one is on you my guy
— Johyan (@JohyanCruyff) April 2, 2022
Tuchel’s has to cop blame for this one
— ?? (@Yerdas_out) April 2, 2022
Including from Tuchel. System, selection and subs have been wrong.
— Andrew Turmer (@AndrewTurmer) April 2, 2022
Tuchel got it wrong today
— Peardrax Papi (@jarelantoine) April 2, 2022
This games on Tuchel as hard as it is – had one eye on Madrid and clearly underrated Brentford. Team selection was nothing short of shocking today and the fans have seen this for months.
— # (@tacticsoftucheI) April 2, 2022
Tuchel cost us this match
— AZAMADO (@Azamado588) April 2, 2022
Hopefully tuchel admits he’s largely at fault here – exactly the type of game Lampard would drop some bs excuse about
— toby edwards (@tobyedwards888) April 2, 2022
Oh, and Tuchel got it absolutely, shambolically wrong today. On the the #UCL now. #CFC
— Mat Paré (@Parezky8) April 2, 2022
Today’s loss is on Tuchel sha
— MO’SPECIAL (@papayah3mil) April 2, 2022
I don’t care if we’ve got Madrid on Wednesday you don’t treat a game in the PL like that especially when top 4 isn’t anywhere near being secured. Embarrassing from Tuchel today and every player on that pitch #cfc #NoToRicketts
— Chloe Pearce ⭐️⭐️ (@TheBlueLioness) April 2, 2022
They were beyond horrible. I was expecting Tuchel to take both off at half time
— Ọla Fọla (@moslimfit) April 2, 2022
Tuchel https://t.co/0GrRFcek2f
— Akwasi Kissi (@chairman_kissi) April 2, 2022
Video: Chelsea fans protest potential Ricketts family ownership
Manchester United vs Leicester City live streaming: Watch Premier League online