Mauricio Pochettino defended Chelsea after their 5-0 loss to Arsenal, acknowledging that the team "gave up" during the match but comparing it to off-days experienced by even the greatest players.

By the Numbers
  • This was Chelsea's heaviest defeat in a London derby since March 1986.
  • Chelsea faced their 11th defeat of the season in this match.
Yes, But

Pochettino emphasized that the poor performance was not a reflection of his players' character but rather a common occurrence even among top players.

State of Play
  • Arsenal moved four points clear at the top of the table, with Chelsea facing challenges to qualify for Europe.
  • Chelsea are set to play Aston Villa next, while Arsenal will face Tottenham Hotspur.
What's Next

Arsenal and Chelsea are gearing up for their upcoming matches, with both teams focused on their performances and results in the following games.

Bottom Line

Pochettino's defense of Chelsea's performance highlights the complexities of professional football, emphasizing the need for consistency and resilience in the face of challenges.