“Can pack his bags”, “perennial let-down” – Chelsea fans brand defender as ‘liability’ after 1-0 loss to Everton

Chelsea fans were left fuming as their side put on a dreadful display and fell to a 1-0 defeat at relegation-threatened Everton on Sunday, May 1.

The Blues had 79% possession and 17 shots compared to the hosts’ nine. However, they couldn't find a way through the dogged and determined Toffees outfit, with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford putting on an extraordinary display to deny Thomas Tuchel's men.

The result rounded off a dreadful week for the West London club, following a disappointing 1-1 draw at Manchester United on Thursday.

Chelsea still look set to finish third in the Premier League, but are now only five points clear of fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur following the Lilywhites' 3-1 win over Leicester City.

Everton found the winner within the first minute of the second half when Richarlison capitalized on some hesitant defending from captain Cesar Azpilicueta. The Brazilian then slotted past Edouard Mendy to score the game's only goal.

It was a sweet moment for Everton boss Frank Lampard, who Tuchel replaced as Chelsea boss in January 2021 following the legendary midfielder's sacking.

Following the encounter, fans directed their fury at their club captain, as they believed he was responsible for the surprise defeat.

The Spanish international, whose contract was extended until June 2023 in April, according to Sky Sports, has made 470 appearances for the two-time European champions. According to reports, he is headed to Barcelona in the summer on a free transfer.

But fans took to Twitter to express their opinion that his time at Stamford Bridge is up:

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Chelsea boss Tuchel furious following Everton defeat

Following the reversal at Goodison Park, Tuchel couldn't hide his disappointment at his team's lackluster performance and said his players lacked discipline.

In an interview with Sky Sports following the clash, Tuchel stated as per The Express:

"We hate to lose, we are responsible for it, it was our responsibility in Old Trafford to not have more. We struggle to have consecutive clean sheets and top performances and that is why we lost today."

"We have to be without mistakes, disciplined in your positions and don't make mistakes."

"When you have that much possession, we did not play our best match but we were in control, and then we gave a goal away and it kills the game for us because it is everything the opponent wants. It is a huge pattern in our season."

"We have now four matches in the last two weeks and one clean sheet, that needs to change. If we try to get away with okay performances that is not good for us, we are a team that needs to be on the very top limit on every match basis."