Chelsea’s winless run was extended to four games after the European champions were defeated 2-1 by West Brom at the Hawthorns on Saturday.
Shane Long, who played despite losing his grandmother on Friday, put the home side infront after just 10 minutes when he headed home James Morrison’s cross. Chelsea struck back on 39 minutes though when Eden Hazard headed past West Brom keeper Boaz Myhill at the far post.
However, Peter Odemwingie made it a miserable return to the Hawthorns for former boss Roberto Di Matteo by converting Shane Long’s cross on 50 minutes.
Chelsea’s dip in form has seen the early leaders drop down to third place in the league, 4 points behind Manchester City.
Di Matteo was not happy with the defeat. He told Chelsea TV:
“It was disappointing. We found it difficult here last season and this season again.
“We knew West Brom are very good at home and giving away goals like we did today it became difficult to win a game. Our defending was very poor, we didn’t concede many chances but with the ones we did we have to do better.”
The Chelsea boss also defended his decision to leave Ramires, Oscar and Juan Mata on the bench.
“Absolutely it was. Players were all over Europe and the world, with long flights and five or six hours time differences as well. They were not in condition to last a full game.”
