Chelsea fans slammed Kai Havertz on Twitter after the forward had another game to forget, despite the Blues winning 1-0 against Leeds United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, March 4.
With his job hanging in the balance, Saturday's game was a do-or-die encounter for Chelsea manager Graham Potter.
The Blues' 1-0 victory against Leeds was only their second win in 12 games in 2023 and their first since beating Crystal Palace 1-0 in January, a shocking statistic for a club that is usually competing for football's biggest trophies.
Despite the home side boasting of more possession (59% to 41%), the game was closely contested, with both sides failing to convert good chances.
Kai Havertz had a brilliant chance to put the hosts ahead in the 15th minute when the German international was through on goal with only the goalkeeper to beat. He attempted a chip with his weaker foot and Illan Meslier made a tremendous one-handed save to thwart his effort.
Joao Felix hit the post seven minutes later and the ball bounced back into play, but Enzo Fernandez's follow-up effort blazed over the bar. The Stamford Bridge faithful booed the team off at half-time with many fearful their dismal run of form would continue.
Chelsea took the lead in the 53rd minute when Wesley Fofana brilliantly headed the ball into the back of the net following a Ben Chilwell corner. They defended well to secure the three points.
Fans were furious with Kai Havertz's performance and blasted him on Twitter:
"Seeing Havertz go through on goal and you expect him to miss 9 times out of 10 is not the feeling you want from your striker #CFC"
"Havertz is the main issue here, he never wants to stay central to occupy the defence nor does he “smell” the goal, plenty of times where a top striker at least gets a shot off, the other problem is when Havertz leaves his central lane nobody moves to occupy it…"
"Havertz is not a false 9 he is a false footballer"
The Blues' win took them to 34 points, however, they remain in 10th place in the Premier League.
Chelsea forward Kai Havertz has struggled this season
The 23-year-old has struggled to make an impact for Chelsea this season under both Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, despite being trusted to start most games.
Kai Havertz has scored only six goals and provided one assist in 33 appearances in all competitions. His lack of goal contributions has been one of the factors behind the Blues' lack of consistency this season.
The Stamford Bridge faithful will be hoping he returns to form soon to help salvage the rest of the season.