They pulled it back in the second half, but it's fair to say Chelsea's first half performance against West Brom was an absolute disaster.
To go 3-0 down inside half an hour against a team who looked completely out of their depth in their first two games this season is completely unacceptable.
Their numerous big money signings did little to help their cause. Kai Havertz was fairly anonymous once again, while Timo Werner failed to convert the couple of chances he did get.
Then you have Thiago Silva. The defender was handed the captain's armband this evening despite only making his debut for the club, a huge vote of confidence from his manager.
Speaking on Sky Sports before the game, Jamie Redknapp could hardly have hyped up the Brazilian any more.
"He could end up being their best signing..." 🤝
Jamie Redknapp looks at why Frank Lampard has made Thiago Silva Chelsea captain on his PL debut ©️
📺 Watch West Brom v Chelsea live on Sky Sports PL now pic.twitter.com/XbPYZW3zWU— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 26, 2020
He's got that aura about him that great players have. His last game was in the Champions League final five weeks or so ago.
He could end up being their best signing because of the importance of that area.
They've got lots of good players going forward, but right now if you looked at Chelsea you ask where are they slightly weaker, where do they need a presence, where do they need somebody to head the ball from set-pieces and just lead that line? It's in defence.
I think he could be that person. He's such a big player for Chelsea this season as long as he stays fit, he's ageing. But age is just a number when you're a good player.
If he is to play a key part in Chelsea's season, he can't afford too many performances like the one he had this evening.
Silva put in a horrific performance. He failed to deal with West Brom on numerous occasions, including being directly at fault for one of the goals.
West Brom's second goal came directly from his mistake, needlessly conceding possession to Callum Robinson who went on to score.
Oh no Thiago Silva 😲
The Chelsea captain gifts West Brom a second on his Premier League debut
📺 Watch on Sky Sports PL
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📲 Download the @SkySports app! pic.twitter.com/RJkPZAXSwl— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) September 26, 2020
He also failed to close down West Brom for their third goal, allowing Darnell Furlong to knock the ball down to Kyle Bartley.
With Chelsea pushing for an equaliser, Silva would be the sacrificial lamb as he was replaced by Olivier Giroud in the 73rd minute.
Hardly an ideal debut. He's probably hoping Jamie Redknapp isn't on punditry duties for his next game.
See Also: Incredible Stat About Paul Pogba Shows Just How Poor He Was Against Brighton
