Chelsea put in what was easily their worst performance of the season last night after losing 5-0 to Arsenal.
Mauricio Pochettino‘s men went into the game knowing that a win would have put them level on points with Newcastle United in sixth.
However, Chelsea came nowhere close to earning victory on the night as Arsenal ran riot at the Emirates.
To make matters worse, former player Kai Havertz managed to get his name on the scoresheet twice.
While Arsenal are keeping themselves truly alive in the title race, Chelsea are blowing their opportunity to qualify for Europe next season. Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has now said whether Pochettino should be sacked or not.
Mauricio Pochettino knows the very moment his players gave up against Arsenal
The first half finished 1-0, but in the end Chelsea completely rolled over for their London rivals.
For Pochettino, it was not hard to identify the moment his players decided to call it quits.
In a post-match interview with Viaplay Fotball after the game, he said: “When we conceded the third goal I think the team gave up, because I think it was so tough for us to continue competing.
“Of course, Arsenal were better than us and we didn’t compete in the way that we are supposed to.”
Things do not get any easier for Pochettino or Chelsea either.
They face a tough trip to Villa Park to take on Aston Villa this weekend. Unai Emery’s men currently sit in fourth.
Can Chelsea bounce back against Aston Villa?
Chelsea have already beaten Villa at Villa Park this season, defeating them 3-1 in an FA Cup fourth round replay.
Before their 6-0 win against Everton, that was arguably their best performance of the campaign as they dismantled a very strong Villa side.
However, the Villans have been a different animal in the Premier League this term. And based on how Chelsea played in that 5-0 thrashing to Arsenal, you would have to worry for Pochettino’s men.
This has another defeat written all over it.