Chelsea sharpen knives for one man after struggles against Watford

Chelsea edge past Watford

It was close, but in a heavily delayed game, Chelsea prevailed despite a woeful performance.

Although they took the lead courtesy of Mason Mount, they were quickly pegged back by the Hornets, with Emmanuel Dennis levelling the scoring.

It took a second-half introduction of Hakim Ziyech to break the deadlock, with the Chelsea forward providing what proved to be the winner 20 minutes from time.

Hakim Ziyech now has 5 goal contributions (2 goals, 3 assists) in his last five starts for Chelsea…

Underrated…? 💫 pic.twitter.com/LXKLHpMBLr

— LDN (@LDNFootbalI) December 1, 2021

The result, along with wins for Manchester City and Liverpool, keeps the Blues a point clear at the top of the Premier League, despite injury issues and a defence that is beginning to look leaky by its previously impervious standards.

Better haul Saul

It was one half time change in particular that Chelsea fans took a particular liking to, as Thiago Silva replaced loanee Saul Niguez. It was a second Premier League start for Saul, and on both occasions, he has been hooked at half-time.

And it’s safe to say, Chelsea fans made their feelings very clear on the Spaniard.

Saul subbed at half-time. That’s two PL starts and only lasted 45 mins in each…#ouch

— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) December 1, 2021

Saul’s Chelsea loan career ended by Watford. Never saw that coming.

— Mark Worrall (@gate17marco) December 1, 2021

Not quite Bakayoko-levels of struggle at Vicarage Road, but Saul only completed eight(!) passes in that first half, and touched the ball fewer times (19) than any other Chelsea player bar Pulisic and Mount #CFC

— Liam Twomey (@liam_twomey) December 1, 2021

Notice how our gameplay has improved since Saul was subbed off? Man was busy persecuting our efforts 😭

— Sir P (@The_AyeniPaul) December 1, 2021

I hope Saul gets the earliest flight back to Madrid

— 💙Champions Of Europe💙⭐⭐ (@Sir_Menace) December 1, 2021

Feel bad for saul but he has to go blud, he has looked out of place everytime

— Jahn 🇦🇷 (@JahnCFC) December 1, 2021

Ohh Saul

Don’t know what to say about you but clearly English football is not for you #WATCHE #CFC @CHELSEAFC

— Chelseablues99💙 🇵🇸 (@agq99) December 1, 2021

Saul goes off and we immediately look more in control. That is not a coincidence. #CFC

— Jay (@RoanokeHokie) December 1, 2021

Don’t want to see Saul Niguez in our midfield anymore #WATCHE

— Mohammud Shakeel Salamath (@ShakeelSalamath) December 1, 2021

Let’s be honest,Saul doesn’t have a future at Chelsea

— STAN (@OBaStann) December 1, 2021

Don’t want to see Saúl in the midfield anymore. If we are that short again in that department, put Mount, Chalobah or Reece there instead.

— Alex Goldberg (@AlexGoldberg_) December 1, 2021

Saul still hasn’t seen the 2nd half of Premier League football when starting. Best we terminate his loan ASAP.

— CFCDaily (@CFCDaily) December 1, 2021

Saul shouldn’t be on the bench. He should just go straight to Spain.

— KALYJAY (@gyaigyimii) December 1, 2021

Every time I watch saul play football a week is taken off my life

— Tom (@t_reezy1) December 1, 2021

Will Saul still be in west London come the end of the January window?

Read more:

Chelsea dealt massive blow as key man forced off injured

Chelsea fans point to importance of one man amid first half against Watford

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