Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel suffered the first defeat of his reign as struggling West Bromwich Albion took advantage of Thiago Silva’s red card to earn a stunning 5-2 win on Saturday.
Tuchel had overseen a 14-match unbeaten run in all competitions since replacing the sacked Frank Lampard in January.
But that impressive start came to an embarrassing end as West Brom ran riot at Stamford Bridge.
Christian Pulisic put Chelsea ahead early in the first half, only for Brazil defender Thiago to get his marching orders moments later for a second booking.
That proved the turning point as Albion’s Matheus Pereira struck twice in first half stoppage-time.
Mbaye Diagne grabbed West Brom’s third goal and Callum Robinson netted twice to leave Tuchel shell-shocked.
Mason Mount’s reply was no consolation as Chelsea’s bid to qualify for next season’s Champions League via a top four finish in the Premier League suffered a significant blow.
The Blues, beaten for the first time in 10 league games, remain fourth for now, but both West Ham and Tottenham would go above them if they win on Monday and Sunday respectively.
After conceding just two goals in Tuchel’s reign, with seven consecutive clean-sheets since the defence was last breached at Southampton in February, this was a rude awakening for Chelsea.
For the first time since 2011 against Arsenal, Chelsea conceded five goals at home in the league.
It was the worst possible preparation for their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Porto on Wednesday.
West Brom remain second bottom but their first league win at Chelsea since 1978 gives them a glimmer of hope in the fight to avoid relegation.
Sam Allardyce’s team are seven points from safety with eight games left.
Thiago was making his first Chelsea start since February 4 after recovering from a thigh problem, but he was completely out of touch on his return.
