Captain Cahill says captainy things after Chelsea capitulation against West Ham

Chelsea’s eight-match unbeaten run in the Premier League came to a disappointing end on Saturday as the Blues massively underachieved against the second-worst team in the league, losing 1-0 to West Ham on a Marko Arnautović goal (his first of the season).

There wasn’t much positive spin to be found after the game; unlike previous draws against Liverpool and Atlético Madrid and even the first half of the 3-0 loss to Roma, Chelsea couldn’t even claim the better of play on what was a listless and uninspiring 90 minutes at the London Stadium.

Captain Cahill spared no words either in his assessment of the team’s efforts.

“We were miles off it from the start of the game. We allowed them to get the early goal, which was a poor one on our behalf, especially as we have been tight of late. We had plenty of time to get back in the game, but that laboured start carried on throughout the game, I felt. We just didn’t play our stuff.

“They got the goal, sat behind the ball and tried to hit us on the break. They wasted a bit of time but that’s clever play from them. Our passing was off, and we didn’t create as much as we have been.

“We were not at the races today for whatever reason. It’s very disappointing to come off and feel like that. I’m not one to make an excuse. If we played to our levels, we would have got something out of the game.”

Like the loss against bottom of the table Crystal Palace back in October, Chelsea simply failed to turn up. Sure, the players were there physically, but not much actual effort or desire or motivation was visible.

Not much time to feel sorry for ourselves however, with Huddersfield away coming up in less than 72 hours. The title may be gone, but the top four is very much in play and these “easier” games in December are a prime opportunity to keep that ambition going.

“We have been in good form of late which is why it’s so disappointing to put in a performance like that. We have to reflect, we have to pick ourselves up and go again. We have to try to freshen up and get the energy levels back up.”

-Gary Cahill; source: Chelsea FC

Onwards and upwards.