Tuchel's top four fears

Thomas Tuchel has revealed he fears for Chelsea's top-four spot after they were beaten by Everton.

He said: "I’m very disappointed. We knew what was coming (from Everton), and like in the last matches, we struggled to have clean sheets.

"Of course, I’m worried about the top four. I never feel safe.

"Four points in four games will never be enough, no matter what race we are in.”

Morning, Chelsea fans

Thomas Tuchel blasted Chelsea's inconsistency, individual errors and failure to concentrate as they lost 1-0 at Everton.

Tuchel believes his Blues are wasting domination by letting themselves down in both boxes.

Richarlison punished Cesar Azpilicueta’s 46th-minute blunder as third-bottom Everton sneaked to within two points of the safety line.

Tuchel said “It’s concerning. We have only one clean sheet in the last four matches.

“We can’t stop doing individual mistakes. We struggle to have repetitive top performances.

“If you are the dominant team you cannot lose focus, you cannot lose concentration for a second.”

He added: “The goal we gave away was absolutely unnecessary.

“The results are not enough for the performances we have given.”

On the transfer front, Chelsea, Manchester United and PSG are rated the frontrunners for Benfica £67million-rated striker Darwin Nunez.And the Blues' in-form wing-back Reece James is reportedly open to considering any approach from Real Madrid.

Chelsea short of finishing ability

CHELSEA VERDICT: Thomas Tuchel has a major problem in attack, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.

And until it is fixed, Chelsea have absolutely no chance of ever challenging Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League title.

To put it simply, this Blues squad lacks real firepower and cutting edge. It is not an issue which afflicts either City or Liverpool, whose attackers score goals for fun.

And while Chelsea are set to buy several new defenders this summer, it will take more than money to fix their struggles up top.

The Blues’ had 17 shots in today’s 1-0 defeat at Everton – eight more than the hosts.

Chelsea had 20 shots to Real Madrid’s eight when the Spaniards triumphed 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. And they could only score once from 21 efforts in the 4-1 loss to Brentford.

Mason Mount, a midfielder converted into a forward, is Chelsea’s top league scorer with 10 goals.

That’s more than strikers Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner combined.

It feels like any attacker who comes to Stamford Bridge right now would meet the same fate – even Erling Haaland. So it’s time Tuchel started exploring tactical options to better exploit the talents every Chelsea fan knows the squad has up top.

Reece 'open' to Real move

Chelsea's in-form wing-back Reece James is reportedly open to the idea of moving to Real Madrid, according to reports.

The England defender has become a target for Los Blancos, as Carlo Ancelotti looks to strengthen his side.

And James appears to be just the ticket, according to Marca.

Although a move won’t be done this summer, James is said to welcome the idea because he “likes” Real.

Blues lack firepower

CHELSEA VERDICT: Thomas Tuchel has a major problem in attack, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.

And until it is fixed, Chelsea have absolutely no chance of ever challenging Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League title.

To put it simply, this Blues squad lacks real firepower and cutting edge. It is not an issue which afflicts either City or Liverpool, whose attackers score goals for fun.

And while Chelsea are set to buy several new defenders this summer, it will take more than money to fix their struggles up top.

The Blues’ had 17 shots in today’s 1-0 defeat at Everton – eight more than the hosts.

Chelsea had 20 shots to Real Madrid’s eight when the Spaniards triumphed 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. And they could only score once from 21 efforts in the 4-1 loss to Brentford.

Mason Mount, a midfielder converted into a forward, is Chelsea’s top league scorer with 10 goals.

That’s more than strikers Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner combined.

It feels like any attacker who comes to Stamford Bridge right now would meet the same fate – even Erling Haaland. So it’s time Tuchel started exploring tactical options to better exploit the talents every Chelsea fan knows the squad has up top.

'Utd look into signing Chelsea target Nunez'

Manchester United, Chelsea and PSG are rated the frontrunners for Benfica £67million-rated striker Darwin Nunez.

Journalist Dean Jones reckons incoming United will 'look into' recruiting the Uruguay superstar, 22, when Erik ten Hag takes over as permanent boss this summer.

Nunez has notched 47 goals and 16 assists in 83 games for Benfica, also helping the Portuguese giants to this season's Champions League quarter-finals.

Speculation over a a big-money exit at the end of the season has soared since the turn of the year.

And The Athletic’s David Ornstein claims United's main opposition would come from Chelsea and PSG.

'Disappointed' Tuchel knew what to expect

Thomas Tuchel admitted he expected Chelsea to struggle as they slumped 1-0 at Frank Lampard's third-bottom Everton.

The Blues' manager said: "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 one clean sheet against West Ham, and it is the only win we have. So very disappointed."

He added: "What was coming from the opponent, the crowd, and the way to approach the game.

"We knew that, and nobody was surprised."

Tuchel blasts mistakes

BOSS Thomas Tuchel is worrIed by Chelsea’s recent individual errors, lack of consistency and failure to concentrate when on top.

Richarlison punished Cesar Azpilicueta’s 46th minute blunder for lowly Everton’s winner today.

And Tuchel told BBC Sport: “It’s concerning. We have only one clean sheet in the last four matches.

“We can’t stop doing individual mistakes. We struggle to have repetitive top performances.

“If you are the dominant team you cannot lose focus, you cannot lose concentration for a second.”

But Tuchel still believes the Blues’ overall displays are worth more.

He said: “The goal we gave away was absolutely unnecessary.

“The results are not enough for the performances we have given.”

Ruben rated a rare Chelsea plus today

Ruben Loftus-Cheek has given himself a real chance of a regular spot next season after his dynamic display in the 1-0 loss at Everton.

That's the verdict of ex-Toffees' wideman Leon Osman after Thomas Tuchel's men again paid for errors at either end of the pitch.

Osman told BBC Radio 5 Live: “A real positive driving run from Loftus-Cheek again.

"He’s been the one in the centre of that field for Chelsea that has tried to make something happen."

Flash Jordan

Here's Jordan Pickford producing two stunning saves in a matter of seconds to deny Chelsea in Everton's 1-0 win.

A shot from Mason Mount just inside the area managed to squirm beyond Pickford's reach but hit the post before cannoning off of the other post.

The resulting loose ball fell to Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

However, the England No 1 sprung across his goal line and managed to prevent the ball from going in the net with a sensational reflex save going against his own momentum.

Despite the ball finally going out of play, Pickford's work was not done.

A corner found its way to a Chelsea head and the flick on went straight into the path of the onrushing Antonio Rudiger at the far post.

But once again Pickford was able to deny the Blues and prevented a goal this time by using his face.

This pair of saves could well keep Everton in the division.

Everton held on to beat Chelsea 1-0 in a massive survival boost against manager Frank Lampard's former side.

Kai is our new Costa

Chelsea fans reckon Kai Havertz is turning into Diego Costa as he "just wanted a fight" in their fiery clash against Everton.

The London club fell to defeat against the Toffees after Richarlison's goal and an inspired goalkeeping performance by Jordan Pickford.

Despite the efforts of their attackers, the Chelsea forward line were left frustrated and ended the 90 minutes without finding the net.

Havertz looked to be among the most agitated of the Blues attackers, clashing frequently with opposition players.

He eventually earned a yellow car after shoving Yerry Mina eight minutes from time.

The performance earned him comparisons to former Chelsea striker Costa, who gained a reputation for his rough and ready approach to the game.

One Chelsea fan account tweeted: "Kai Havertz is bringing back Diego Costa vibes at Goodison Park this afternoon."

Another suggested that Havertz was "taking a chapter" out of Costa's book, with scrapping with defenders a regular feature of the Spaniard's strategy.

One supporter tweeted to say: "Havertz doing his best bad Diego Costa impersonation today."

On his ongoing battle with Mina, one fan said: "I think Havertz just wants to fight Mina instead of play football."

Blues lack Midas Tuch up front

CHELSEA VERDICT: Thomas Tuchel has a major problem in attack, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.

And until it is fixed, Chelsea have absolutely no chance of ever challenging Manchester City and Liverpool for the Premier League title.

To put it simply, this Blues squad lacks real firepower and cutting edge. It is not an issue which afflicts either City or Liverpool, whose attackers score goals for fun.

And while Chelsea are set to buy several new defenders this summer, it will take more than money to fix their struggles up top.

The Blues’ had 17 shots in today's 1-0 defeat at Everton - eight more than the hosts.

Chelsea had 20 shots to Real Madrid’s eight when the Spaniards triumphed 3-1 at Stamford Bridge. And they could only score once from 21 efforts in the 4-1 loss to Brentford.

Mason Mount, a midfielder converted into a forward, is Chelsea’s top league scorer with 10 goals.

That’s more than strikers Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner combined.

It feels like any attacker who comes to Stamford Bridge right now would meet the same fate – even Erling Haaland. So it's time Tuchel started exploring tactical options to better exploit the talents every Chelsea fan knows the squad has up top.

Tuchel 'concerned' by Chelsea inconsistency

BOSS Thomas Tuchel is worrIed by Chelsea's recent individual errors, lack of consistency and failure to concentrate when on top.

Richarlison punished Cesar Azpilicueta's 46th minute blunder for lowly Everton's winner today.

And Tuchel told BBC Sport: "It's concerning. We have only one clean sheet in the last four matches.

"We can't stop doing individual mistakes. We struggle to have repetitive top performances.

"If you are the dominant team you cannot lose focus, you cannot lose concentration for a second."

But Tuchel still believes the Blues' overall displays are worth more.

He said: "The goal we gave away was absolutely unnecessary.

"The results are not enough for the performances we have given."

Chelsea sub ratings

Mateo Kovacic (for Jorginho, 45’) – 6

Not quite the inspiration Thomas Tuchel was looking for as Chelsea conceded just moments after Kovacic came on.

But he was a good deal better than the man he replaced and attempted to inject more life into Chelsea’s midfield.

Hakim Ziyech (for Timo Werner, 70’) – N/A

Christian Pulisic (for Cesar Azpilicueta, 70’) – N/A

Ratings continued

MASON MOUNT – 7

One of Chelsea’s sharper players today, Mount was relentless with his pressing.

Had Chelsea’s best chance with fearsome shot that incredibly struck BOTH posts.

KAI HAVERTZ – 6

Goal-scoring touch has deserted the German in recent games.

Lacked the physicality against Everton’s giant centre-backs but did well in drifting out to create space for teammates.

TIMO WERNER – 5

Lots of running from the wide-man – but to nowhere in particular.

Another frustrating performance for Werner, who could not find a way past Everton’s makeshift wing-back Alex Iwobi.

More Chelsea ratings

JORGINHO – 4

The Italian’s best days might be behind him after another subdued midfield effort.

Outshone by his partner, Jorginho lacked any real cutting threat and was hooked at half-time.

RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK – 7

Getting better with each game, driving from midfield and showing neat foot work.

Knows he’s fighting for his Chelsea future and delivered another performance that is sure to give Thomas Tuchel plenty of thought this summer.

MARCOS ALONSO – 6

Took up clever positions in the final third to provide attacking threat but was a bit too lax while retreating.

Is now a reported target for Barcelona and Blues supporters will be hoping he can maintain his focus until the end of term.

Chelsea player ratings

SunSport's Anthony Chapman marks the Blues after their frustrating 1-0 loss at Goodison Park.

EDOUARD MENDY – 6

Not much to do between the sticks, which was a relief to Chelsea fans after some recent mistakes.

But made a few decent stops and his tidy passes kept the Blues flowing when they needed to build up from the back.

CESAR AZPILICUETA – 5

Captain wore heart on his sleeve and refused to let Everton get away with their rough tactics.

But his boiling blood resulted in a silly mistake straight after the break, allowing Richarlison to score with an easy finish.

THIAGO SILVA – 6

A natural leader in defence, Silva looked typically calm and composed.

Wasn’t as effective as usual when pushing forward but was a reliable presence as always.

ANTONIO RUDIGER – 5

Very quiet game by the German’s standards – having also kept a low profile in Thursday’s 1-1 draw at Man Utd.

And Chelsea fans will be hoping Rudiger hasn’t lost his head already, with reports claiming he’s signed a four-year deal to join Real Madrid this summer.

REECE JAMES – 6

Stunning performance against United was always going to be hard to follow, especially following more injury setbacks.

James got himself in good positions down the right, and his ability to cut in also caused Everton headaches through the game.

Everton 1 Chelsea 0

Chelsea's erratic recent run was summed up by this defeat as Everton moved within two points of safety.

Cesar Azpilicueta's blunder gifted Richarlison the only goal on 46 minutes as Thomas Tuchel's men again wasted regular chances.

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount hit both posts with a 20-yarder and home keeper Jordan Pickford reacted superbly to keep out Azpilicueta's follow-up.

Police issue firework statement

Merseyside police have condemned Everton fans for letting off fireworks outside Chelsea's hotel.

A statement from the force read: "It is against the law to carry or use adult fireworks if you are under 18, and illegal for people of any age to let off or throw a firework in a public place.

“Also, you must not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.

“If anyone believes they have information about the incident or the illegal use or possession of fireworks, please contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerseyPolice or Facebook Merseyside Police CC quoting reference 22000297336.

"You can also call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Norwich spell 'stunted' players' growth

Tony Cascarino reckons loanees from Chelsea and Man United have gone backwards at Norwich.

Cascarino told TalkSPORT: "The lad Gilmour that came to Norwich, didn’t do particularly well at the club, and the fans turned on him at the start season.

“He’s a terrific young footballer but, somehow, he’s not grown.

“We talk all the time about young lads going elsewhere and improving – the lad Williams as well from Man United – but they’ve gone backwards this year.

“Two players have gone there from big clubs and have gone backwards at Norwich.”

Tuchel on Kante absence

Thomas Tuchel has explained why N'Golo Kante is missing for Chelsea against West Ham.

Tuchel said: “He went off at Old Trafford after 80 minutes and still has pain, but it’s a minor injury.

“Hopefully he is back in the next match. But today Ruben comes in because we were happy with his performance and how he played.”

Collymore calls it

Stan Collymore reckons Chelsea will share the spoils with Everton today.

The Liverpool legend doubts the Blues will want to have a hand in getting Lampard's Everton sent down.

Collymore told The Sunday Mirror: "I’m not sure Chelsea’s players, having virtually secured third, will want to turn the screw on Lampard."

Jorginho's reaction to vieworks

Jorginho has reacted to Everton fans letting off fireworks outside Chelsea's hotel.

The midfielder revealed that the loud bang woke him and his teammates up.

But he also stated that it was nothing the Blues weren't prepared for.

He said: "I woke up, I was like, what's that noise?"

Declan Rice on transfer links

Declan Rice has revealed that he has no control over his transfer value amid links with Man United and Chelsea.

He also stated that his West Ham team-mates make jokes about his market price.

Rice said: “I can’t help speculation, even with the numbers that get talked about.

“I get battered for it all the time on social media, but I can’t help that. I can help by going on the pitch and performing as best as I can.

“They [West Ham team-mates] wind me up all the time. It’s crazy to speak about to be honest, so I just kind of block it out and do what I do best and that’s play football.”

Barcelona want Marcos Alonso

Barcelona are reportedly keen on signing Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso.

But they have now turned their attentions to another Blues star.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Alonso is on the club's transfer shortlist along with three or four other left back candidates.

Barcelona have already been in contact with Chelsea to "explore intentions and potential price".