BREAKING NEWS: confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, chelsea have announced that the club have to a mutual agreement with Pochettino to part ways after draw with relegation Sheffield. Todd Boehly said “we have come to a decision to let go and move on as its not working and we’re moving in a new direction and we hope to bring one of the best who will turn the team to title contenders once again”. Confirmed Pochettino journey ends as club confirms SACKED”.
Chelsea missed out on the opportunity to climb to seventh place in the league after being held to a 2-2 draw by Sheffield United on April 7. While they will be somewhat relieved to secure a point, Mauricio Pochettino’s side had hoped for more following their sensational 4-3 victory against Manchester United midweek. The expectation was for the Blues to continue their momentum and overcome Chris Wilder’s relegation-threatened team.
The visitors made a strong start in the 11th minute when Thiago Silva capitalized on being left unmarked to convert Conor Gallagher’s corner. This marked a rare start for the veteran Brazilian defender, who had recently fallen down Pochettino’s pecking order.
However, Sheffield United equalized through English right-back Jayden Bogle in the 32nd minute. Bogle advanced on the right flank and managed to power his shot past Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. The Blades came close to taking the lead nine minutes into the second half when Ben Brereton Diaz delivered a superb cross to Oli McBurnie, whose header narrowly missed the target.
Pochettino’s side regained the lead in the 66th minute courtesy of a fine strike from England U21 international Noni Madueke. Cutting inside onto his left foot, Madueke found the net with a composed finish. However, Sheffield United fought back and secured a last-gasp draw in the 90+3rd minute when McBurnie capitalized on defensive lapses from Chelsea to score the equalizer.
The draw served as a wake-up call for Chelsea, whose fans were buoyed by their recent victory against Manchester United. Despite the draw, Chelsea climbed to ninth place in the league, trailing eighth-placed Newcastle United by three points. However, one disgruntled fan expressed their frustration by calling for Pochettino’s dismissal.
The draw against Sheffield United marked Chelsea’s eighth draw in 30 league games, preventing them from closing the gap on their European qualification rivals. With few positives to take from the game, Chelsea’s performance underscored the inconsistencies that have plagued Pochettino’s side throughout the season. Commentating on the game, former Blues defender Jason Cundy emphasized the need for Chelsea players to take responsibility and step up their performance. He singled out Madueke as one of the few players who posed a threat and demonstrated a collective spark. Despite his limited game time under Pochettino, Madueke impressed with his brilliant goal and lively display at Bramall Lane, emerging as a standout performer for Chelsea.
