Chelsea fans are looking towards the World Cup as a breather and a distraction. The tournament, which is getting its fair share of stick for logistical and political issues across the world, is now a way out for the Blues.
A countdown of matches to go until the end of this run reads just two. In an unprecedented two months for Graham Potter he's 12 games into the 14 he had to get through before the Premier League breaks up. Two weeks ago and Chelsea might not have wanted the season to stop, now they're desperate.
A run of just two points from four league games has rapidly halted progress for Potter and the unavoidable contrast against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge only posed as more indication of how far the Blues have slipped. It's the same issues with a new manager and an even bigger clearing up job.
