SHOT FIRED ‘I am not the problem’ insists Blues’ boss

GRAHAM POTTER insisted he was not the problem after his Chelsea side were booed off following another meek showing.

The Blues sunk to a new low to leave the ex-brighton manager’s position at Stamford Bridge hanging by a thread.

Captain James Ward-prowse’s free-kick and a backs-to-thewall defensive showing gave Ruben Selles a shock three points in his first game in interim charge of Southampton.

It was the most precious win following Nathan Jones’ exit last week. But they were given a helping hand by Chelsea who just look an expensive mess.

They have failed to win any of their last five and have just one victory in all competitions in 2023.

And Potter said: “Any criticism you get is understandable after a one-nil defeat at home. We have had a tough period and lots of challenges.

“When results don’t get your way it can be tough. I’m sure there are people out there who think I’m the problem. I understand that.

“I don’t think they are right but I’m not arrogant enough to say their opinion is not worth articulating.

“My job is to help the team through a tough period.

“But we took a step back in the first half today. That was my responsibility.”

This was a bad day from start to finish for the West London outfit who saw captain Cesar Azpilicueta stretchered off and breathing through an oxygen mask with an horrific head injury late on.

Potter added: “Cesar is in hospital, is conscious and was speaking to his wife. We are really concerned.”

Both sets of fans gave a respectful minute of applause for former Chelsea player

Christian Atsu, who died after being trapped in the Turkish earthquake.

There were warning signs early on for the hosts, who had made six changes, as Kamaldeen Sulemana beat Benoit Badiashile to a through ball but Kepa Arrizabalaga denied him, before Stuart Armstrong was denied on the line by Kalidou Koulibaly.

Paul Onuachu then saw a header go just wide from a Ward-prowse cross.

Chelsea did threaten, as Noni Madueke saw an effort saved by Gavin Bazuna, David Datro Fofana half-volleyed wide and Azipilicueta could only find the side netting.

But Potter’s men were stunned in first-half stoppage time. Ward-prowse is an expert at 25-yard free kicks and he did it yet again, up and over the wall giving Kepa no chance at all.

Booed off at the break, it looked like Chelsea would turn the screw in the second half, helped by Raheem Sterling.

However Mason Mount’s header from Sterling’s cross was truly shocking before Azpilicueta chested and volleyed wide.

The Saints’ defending was absolutely magnificent.

First Ainsley Maitland-niles bravely got in the way of a Sterling effort from another sub Kai Havertz’s cross.

Then it was Romain Perraud who somehow kept out Sterling’s header from another Havertz delivery on the line.

Perraud celebrated as if the match was won. But it was that important a moment.

Despite 13 minutes of injury time in which Joao Felix, Conor Gallagher and Mykhailo Mudryk all had efforts, Saints deservedly held on amid delight from Selles and their fans.

Selles said: “It was a fantastic performance, we looked like a unit. It’s been a difficult year so to have that performance showed what we are. This team is alive – and needs to be alive for the rest of the season.”