Pressure continues to grow on Chelsea boss Graham Potter after his side were beaten 1-0 by bottom-of-the-table Southampton at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have endured a truly underwhelming campaign to date, currently sitting 10th following another drab performance. Whilst Potter is not, completely, at fault for this season's struggles, increasing fan frustration is intelligible and speculation will only escalate to a greater extent.
He did himself no favours this afternoon, either, opting to rest key players such as Thiago Silva and Reece James, which incensed supporters further. It was little surprise to see Chelsea on the receiving end of criticism from the home stands at full-time.
READ MORE: Why Reece James and Thiago Silva were absent from Chelsea's squad for Southampton
When questioned on supporter reaction post match Potter said: "After a 1-0 defeat at home, any criticism you get is understandable. We've had a tough period and are integrating young players into the Premier League. When results don't go your way it's tough.
"I'm not arrogant enough to say that their opinion isn't worth articulating. My job is to help the team and work through a team period.
Whilst the club's long-term strategy, implemented by Todd Boehly and senior figures, would suggest that Potter will be afforded time to turn things around in West London, the former Brighton chief knows that he can only guarantee a Chelsea future winning matches.
For every negative result, the chance of a sacking increases. Such a theory is reflected by the bookies' odds. With Betfair, Potter is favourite to be sacked after defeat to the Saints, dropping from 5/2 to 10/11.
Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom commented: “Chelsea’s latest slip-up in the Premier League has prompted people to back Graham Potter to be the next Premier League manager to go and he’s now the 10/11 favourite to leave next having been 5/2 before the shock 1-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge.
“Chelsea sit in 10th place in the Premier League and are 17/1 to finish in the top four despite their huge summer and January spending, which is causing pressure to mount on Potter.”
Potter is followed by Bournemouth boss Gary O'Neil, who led the Cherries to a much-needed win at Wolverhampton Wanderers, at 11/8, whilst David Moyes is third in at 17/2.
Betfair: Next Premier League manager to leave
Graham Potter 10/11
Gary O'Neil 11/8
David Moyes 17/2
Antonio Conte 9/1
No Manager To Leave 10/1
Brendan Rodgers 18/1
Jurgen Klopp 18/1
Pep Guardiola 20/1
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