Cesar Azpilicueta got into a heated exchange with Chelsea’s fans after they suffered a 4-2 defeat against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. This was the third successive home defeat for Chelsea.
Minutes after Bukayo Saka sealed the victory with a thumping strike from the spot, Azpilicueta gestured towards a supporter in West Stand. The fan was not pleased with Chelsea’s performance and was applauding sarcastically while the Spaniard was leaving the field.
This did not go down well with Azpilicueta and he confronted the fans.
César Azpilicueta approaches Chelsea fans following their 4-2 defeat to Arsenal 😳 pic.twitter.com/cmeOjwcZvA
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 20, 2022
Cesar Azpilicueta had an eventful night, where he scored the equaliser before conceding a penalty in the injury time. He was holding Saka for close to five seconds before bringing him down. The full-back was enraged with the referee for pointing toward the spot, but it did look like a clear penalty.
That is a sensational pass from Mason Mount and an equally good finish from Azpilicueta.
What a game we’ve had so far. Some great quality on display at times.
— EiF (@EiFSoccer) April 20, 2022
Saka sent Chelsea goalie the wrong way in what was his first penalty kick after missing one in Euro 2020.
On being asked about the incident, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel sympathised with the fan. I was not part of it, I saw it, but, honestly, I can also understand the fan,” Tuchel said. “It was a totally wild and open game in the first half, already at 2-2 after we came back twice.”
👏 Let's hear it for the away fans tonight
❤️ Absolutely outstanding as always
✅ #CHEARS pic.twitter.com/qnzJEGCyi2
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 20, 2022
Despite the defeat, Chelsea continues to remain at No. 3, five points clear of their closest rivals with a game in hand. Arsenal, meanwhile, are now levelled with Tottenham for No. 4.