'Potter's fault' - Reactions as sloppy Chelsea held by resilient Everton in the Premier League
Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw against Everton at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, March 18, in the Premier League.
Graham Potter was looking forward to a fourth consecutive win for the Londoners as the Blues looked to push for European football next season.
The Blues started the game full of confidence with Mateo Kovacic and Kai Havertz having the best of the early chances.
However, neither of them failed to really test the Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford,in what was a largely uneventful first half.
The hostslooked the better side all through the first half creating chances but lacking the decisiveness in the final third.
The Toffees hardly troubled the Blues defence in the opening half on the other hand as both sides were forced into the break with the scored deadlocked.
Second Half
Shortly after the break, Kai Havertz was denied by the opener by a brilliant Pickford save and, within seven minutes of the restart, the Blues finally opened the scoring.
João Félix, who had shone flashes of brilliance in the opening period got the goal after firing into the corner via the post from just outside the area in the 52nd minute.
However, the Blues intensity seemingly dropped off after the goal and allowed the visitors back into the contest.
Abdoulaye Doucouré got his head onto James Tarkowski's effort at goal from a corner in the 69th minute to level matters for Sean Dyche’s side.
But the Blues hit back as Potter’s men restored their lead with 15 minutes until the 90th minute mark.
Reece James was brought down in the box by Tarkowski, leaving referee Darren England with an easy decision to point to the spot.
Kai Havertz stepped up sent Jordan Pickford the wrong way to put the Blues 2-1 up.
However, just when it seemed Chelsea were going to hold on to pick up all three points, substitute Ellis Simms popped with a vital goal for the visitors once more, firing past Kepa Arrizabalaga in the 89th minute to restore parity again.
In the end, Chelsea had to settle for the spoils against Everton at the Bridge as the Blues suffered a setback in their push for European football next season.
The result sees Everton move two points clear of the relegation zone, while their opponents missed the chance to go within as many points of the top six.
Social Media Reactions
Following the disappointing result for Chelsea, here's how Blues fans have reacted on social media.
Chelsea were 10th when the month of March started. In March they went on an unbeaten run and won 3 of their 4 games, Chelsea fans called for Potter to win the manager of month award. After the last game of March, Chelsea are still 10th.
— Troll Football (@TrollFootball) March 18, 2023
SACK GRAHAM POTTER
— CHELSEA (@GalgalloCFC) March 18, 2023
SACK GRAHAM POTTER
SACK GRAHAM POTTER
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SACK GRAHAM POTTER
You see clubs like Man City scoring 2 goals and they want to score 4 more goals. We score 1 goal and we call it a day and try to defend.
— Mod (@CFCMod_) March 18, 2023
That’s the difference. Horrible substitutions from Potter that shows a shit mentality.
Graham Potter, you never deceived me and I never believed in you, I’ll always remain Potter Out 🙏🏾
— 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐊 🌴 (@TheMahleek) March 18, 2023
Graham Potter Substitutions today has been absolutely terrible.
— Janty (@CFC_Janty) March 18, 2023
Chelsea will never go anywhere with Graham Potter. Terrible manager. Get him out. pic.twitter.com/TbUkKUMncP
— CFChris. (@EmenaIo) March 18, 2023
We have no chance of beating Real Madrid with Graham Potter in charge. He acts like we are a relegation side at the end of games. Absolutely clueless substitutions costing us again. Joke.
— CfcSheikh (@CfcSheikh) March 18, 2023
Graham Potter robbed us 3 points here pic.twitter.com/h23C48Z3Nx
— Lefty (@CFCLefty) March 18, 2023
What was Graham Potter thinking? 😭 pic.twitter.com/mjj6mBnlW5
— 𝐕𝐀𝐑 🌴 (@Ziyechman) March 18, 2023