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Thomas Tuchel says he ‘cannot accept’ Chelsea’s performance in his 5-2 defeat at the hands of West Brom.
The Blues took the lead in the first half through Christian Pulisic, who reacted first to a Marcos Alonso free kick.
But they were reduced to 10 men soon after when Thiago Silva picked up a second yellow card.
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That decision seemed to give West Brom more impetus and it punished Chelsea with two goals before the break.
Matheus Pereira beat Edouard Mendy with two beautiful finishes.
Goals from Callum Robinson and Mbaye Diagne seemed to end the game in the second half.
Mason Mount drew one for the Blues, but West Brom had the last laugh when Robinson made five.
The defeat ended Chelsea’s 14-game unbeaten league streak with Tuchel.
Reacting to the loss, he told BT Sport (via BBC Sport): “There wasn’t that much until the red card came. After that, we couldn’t cope with the situation. I do not know why.
“We gave away two very easy goals. What could have gone wrong went wrong after the red card. We have to accept the great loss. We made big mistakes before the two yellow cards. There were too many easy turnovers. It is impossible for us to accept this situation.
“Every shot was a goal from them. Clearly, today was not our day. We will get the correct answer. First of all, it is important that we say so. I didn’t see it coming, now we have to assume our responsibilities, myself included, and shake ourselves off. “
Chelsea’s defensive improvements have been widely celebrated since Tuchel took office in late January.
But the ease with which West Brom split them multiple times will be of great concern to the German boss.
The Baggies also showed a far superior finish. Matheus Pereira brilliantly took advantage of his first goal for chip Mendy. Robinson’s first was a powerful shot and the second was a beautiful shot at the net.
Chelsea, meanwhile, missed opportunities through Mount and Zouma.
Mount, who was in great form for England during the international break, saw a good opportunity deflected by goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
Zouma won the ball from a corner but was unable to direct it under the crossbar.
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