Ben Chilwell acknowledges that the players at Chelsea are entirely to blame for the team's dismal string of performances.

Graham Potter was under even greater pressure after Saturday's shocking 1-0 home loss to Southampton, and some Stamford Bridge supporters heckled the team at the end of the game.

Chilwell, who came out following the game to thank the fans who remained till the final whistle with fellow England international Mason Mount, believes the team is to blame.

After being sunk by a first-half James Ward-Prowse free-kick, the left-back said: "It is easy to say but we really do have to work hard and turn this around. The only people that can do that is ourselves.

"It is never nice for a very competitive group that wants to win stuff. Some of us a few years ago tasted winning a major trophy [the Champions League] and to be in this situation now does not feel good at all.

"It is understandable the fans are not happy. They expect Chelsea to win matches, which we also expect.

"I can stand here and say we created chances but it doesn't really mean anything. We need to win these games.

"We need to work hard. It is a pretty flat dressing room at the moment.

"It is hard to get into it, in terms of what we did right and wrong, but we have time now until our next game to work hard."

To compound matters for Potter's struggling side, who currently sit 10th in the Premier League, skipper Cesar Azpilicueta was rushed to hospital after being kicked in the head by Saints sub Sekou Mara.

The Spaniard received lengthy treatment on the pitch but was able to clap the home support as he was given a standing ovation while being carried off on a stretcher.

And Chilwell, 26, was delighted to learn his team-mate was in good spirits after the worrying incident.

Hi everyone!Thank you all for your love and messages of support!My family and I would like to thank everyone who has been looking after me since yesterday’s incident… pic.twitter.com/suBCdIQbj6— César Azpilicueta (@CesarAzpi) February 19, 2023

He added: "I was one of the closest players to it and I saw it in real time, it definitely was not a nice situation.

"Thankfully us as players, and then the staff that came on, acted very quickly and tried to give him the best help we could.

"We found out he went off to hospital to do the necessary procedures in this situation.

"He is also in contact with his wife and is stable, which is a positive to take. We are all thinking of him and it is one of those things bigger than football. We are all here for him."

Having picked up just two victories in their last 14 games in all competitions, Chelsea visit London rivals Tottenham on Sunday in what is fast becoming a must-win game.

Source: Livescore