Tuchel annoyed by Chelsea’s poor defending

Thomas Tuchel was clearly annoyed after another defensive lapse resulted in a Chelsea defeat.

Individual mistakes have been a feature of a bad spell for the Blues.

And they were beaten 1-0 by relegation-threatened Everton in front of a raucous crowd at Goodison Park, where Richarlison slotted in the winner after robbing Cesar Azpilicueta near the edge of the penalty area.

Boss Tuchel said: “We are very disappointed. We knew what was coming and, like in the last matches, we struggled to have clean sheets.

“In the last four matches we have only one clean sheet, against West Ham, and that was the only win. This is of course very disappointing.

“What can I do? To give a goal away is the worst thing that can happen to you in this atmosphere and situation.

“If you go behind in an atmosphere and against an opponent like this and you install belief and emotion in the stadium, and belief in the opponents’ team, you struggle.

“It’s our responsibility and it happens too often – we struggle to play without mistakes and that’s why we’re struggling to have results.”

Chelsea also struggled to create chances, although Everton keeper Jordan Pickford did produce a number of fine saves.

Tuchel, who brought Mateo Kovacic on for Jorginho at half-time, sent Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech on in the second half but they were unable to make an impact.

Asked why he did not bring on Romelu Lukaku, Tuchel replied: “Because we had to take Jorgi off. I only have three changes.”