Your morning Chelsea digest on Monday, November 7.
Graham Potter offers Bukayo Saka 'diving' verdict
Speaking after the defeat to Arsenal, Potter was asked for his opinion on Saka and whether criticism labelling him as a 'diver' is warranted. The Blues boss responded: "I think there was one action that was a little bit contentious shall we say, but I don’t think he is that type of player."
Chelsea are now 13 points behind the Premier League leaders and sit seventh in the table despite their big spending spree during the summer transfer window under new owner Todd Boehly.
READ MORE: 'Anonymous' - Arsenal fans send Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang message after poor Chelsea display
Chelsea told four key areas they must improve
Chelsea's performance against Arsenal left fans downbeat as Mikel Arteta's side cruised to victory and were by far the better side at Stamford Bridge. Speaking after the game, former Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong was very critical of the Blues claiming they have 'no DNA'.
De Jong slammed Potter's side and admitted: "The game is done and I still wonder how Chelsea actually play. This Chelsea has no DNA. No philosophy. No energy. No belief."
This will be the main worry for Potter as he continues to implement his style and tactics in west London after he replaced Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea boss at the start of September. It was not just the defeat, but the manner in which the Blues approached the game and the lack of energy and fight showed on the pitch throughout.
Pundits offer Graham Potter 'balanced' verdict after Chelsea loss
Speaking on BT Sport's coverage of the clash, Rio Ferdinand and Martin Keown discussed Graham Potter's impact at Chelsea and how he turns their form around. The ex-Manchester United defender said: "From what we’ve seen from GP in recent years, he’s a very balanced person.
"He’ll look at this and understand exactly where they are. He understands that and Arsenal are three years ahead of where they are. That’s the biggest balance now.
"I know we keep referring to Arsenal, as a whole. The security and confidence he’s been able to bring this team. That’s what Graham needs to do here. You’re always trying to deliver a message."
Martin Keown added: "He’s supportive of his team, he’s very honest. It’s a work in progress really. It didn't function. The next step is to put everything right. First of all, he needs to work out what he thinks is the best formation for this group.
"This is the world we’re in. We’re in a world, it’s extreme. This isn’t down to a football manager. It’s very extreme. As a manager, you’re two games away from being the worse and two wins away from being the best manager."
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