Poor defending upsets Di Matteo

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo labelled his team’s defending ‘poor’ after their 2-1 loss to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday.

Goals from Shane Long and Peter Odemwingie helped West Brom to their sixth home win of the season after Eden Hazard had equalised for the visitors at the Hawthorns.

Di Matteo rued his side’s defensive display after the loss, which saw Chelsea’s winless run in the English Premier League extended to four.

“It’s a ground we find difficult to win at – both last season and this season. We know that they are very good at home,” he said.

“Given the way that we conceded goals like we did today, then it becomes difficult to win the game.

“You have to score three goals to win the game. Our defending was poor today. We didn’t concede many chances to them, but the ones we did, we had to do better.”

Chelsea could yet find it difficult to return to winning ways in November with league matches against Manchester City and Fulham – both at home – to come.

Di Matteo said he could make changes to get his team back on track and admitted the pressure was on his side.

“The pressure is always there and, certainly, it doesn’t help when you don’t win games,” he said.

“We’re disappointed in this moment, and maybe it’s time to look at it and change a little bit to try to get a win.”

West Brom manager Steve Clarke was thrilled with his side as they moved into fourth spot, but said it was too early to be thinking about Champions League qualification.

“I’m delighted. A great three points, good attacking play, two fantastic goals, and dogged determined defensive play towards the end,” he said.

“Can we think of the Champions League? I don’t look that far ahead. I look from game to game.

“It is a great time to be at the club and if the supporters want to dream a bit they can, but within the camp, we will keep our feet on the ground.”