"Needs to be benched for brain reset" "Absolutely embarrassing" - Chelsea fans urge Tuchel to drop 'bang average' player for 'stinker' against Leeds
Chelsea fans have urged Blues manager Thomas Tuchel to drop Edouard Mendy following his disastrous first-half display against Leeds United.
The Blues started the clash at Elland Road on the back foot as the 30-year-old shot-stopper's blunder inside his own penalty area led to an easy goal for Leeds.
The hosts had been pressing Tuchel's side expertly throughout the first period and Mendy took too much time on the ball inside the six-yard box. Brenden Aaronson pinched the ball off the Senegal international and slotted it into the empty net to put Leeds in front, leaving Mendy red-faced.
Work to do in the second.
@WhaleFinApp | #LeeChe https://t.co/giUb0aJiHN
Shortly after, Rodrigo Moreno headed home a superb Jack Harrison free-kick to double the Yorkshire club's lead and compound a miserable first-half for the Blues.
Many have begun to question Mendy's place in the team as he does seem prone to odd errors and lapses in concentration. The shot-stopper has been a key part of Tuchel's side ever since the German took over and was instrumental in their 2020-21 Champions League triumph.
With the most expensive goalkeeper in history, Kepa Arrizabalaga, sitting on the bench, many felt it may finally be time for the Spaniard to be given an opportunity in goal. Supporters took to Twitter to relay their opinions. Here are a few of them:
Look at Mendy.
He needs to be benched for brain reset.
GOALLLL! Aaronson puts Leeds ahead. Oh dear Mendy, what a stinker!
That's been coming from Mendy. I'm not surprised. Just doesn't look comfortable with the ball nowadays.
When will Mendy learn?
What Mendy was trying to do. He thought he was that guy😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/3NKFwZtoGy
Mendy’s distribution might be the worst in the entire universe let alone the world
Mendy is a bang average PL GK. His only attribute is size
Whoever gave Mendy ballon d’OR shouts over Alisson deserves prison
I’m sure Mendy triple captain Aaronson
That is absolutely embarrassing from Mendy there. Had an incredible amount of time to clear that - no excuse for it.
Former Chelsea winger hails superb first-half show from Leeds
Jesse Marsch's side thoroughly deserved their two-goal lead going into half-time, with former Blues winger Pat Nevin full of praise for the hosts.
The retired Scotland international was impressed by Leeds' relentless press, claiming that the west London club could not cope with their opponents. Nevin told BBC Sport:
"That first 45 mins was brilliant by Jesse Marsch, the players did well and seemed to be everywhere making no space for Chelsea. Any time Chelsea got the ball they were closed down by Leeds."
"Panic stations for Chelsea, Thiago Silva noticed it before the first goal, screaming to get his players closer together but didn't move it quick enough. By the time they adapted they were five minutes too late and two goals down."
Chelsea are 2-0 down at halftime for the first time in a Premier League game under Thomas Tuchel. 👀
#ThomasTuchel #Chelsea #Leedsunited https://t.co/rEvYG3fTZj
Tuchel's side will be eager to get three points on the board after a late equalizer from Tottenham Hotspur denied them a well-deserved victory on August 14. The Blues were leading 2-1 during injury time when a brilliant header from Spurs striker Harry Kane forced the west Londoners to settle for a draw.