Potter understands Chelsea fans’ frustrations but insists potential of side is there

Graham Potter understands why Chelsea fans are frustrated but has insisted that the potential of a good side is there.

The Blues continued their unbeaten run in the Premier League against West Ham but were disappointed to come away with just a point from the London Stadium.

Chelsea were largely dominant in the first half, and despite having the ball in the back of the net three times, they went into the break level at 1-1.

Joao Felix opened the scoring against the Hammers, a sublime delivery from Enzo Fernandez picked out the Portuguese forward who slotted past a helpless Łukasz Fabiański.

The 23-year-old had already had a goal disallowed before this, and the west London side had another one ruled out when Kai Havertz was caught offside.

It looked like Potter’s men were going to cruise to victory, but former Chelsea defender Emerson Palmieri struck for David Moyes’ side to tie the contest.

While the Blues pushed to get all three points in the second 45, it was to no avail. In the closing moments, the visitors were left outraged, a Conor Gallagher effort hit the hand of Tomas Soucek, but after a VAR check nothing was given.

The result sees Chelsea pick up their third draw in the league on the bounce, there were plenty of positive signs, but ultimately it is another two points dropped on the road to extend their winless run away from home.

READ MORE: Potter offers sarcastic response after Chelsea denied late penalty in West Ham draw amid Soucek handball claim

Speaking after the game, Potter touched upon the frustrations from the fans but believes the side still has potential to success. He said: “Chelsea fans are entitled to their view, of course they are, and when we’re not winning they will be disappointed like we are, absolutely. I just said from a performance perspective, I thought it was and you can see the potential of the team I thought today.

“You can also see where the work is. Which is getting Reece James up to speed, which is getting Ben Chilwell up to speed, which is getting Ruben Loftus-Cheek up to speed, which is getting Wesley Fofana up to speed, which is getting N’Golo Kante up to speed, which is adapting Mudryk to the Premier League, which is adapting Madueke into the Premier League, which is adapting Benoit Badiashile to the Premier League, which is adapting Joao Felix to the Premier League. That’s just how it is. That’s how I see it and I’m just being honest to say how it is. I completely understand that people are frustrated if you don’t win.”

While time and patience is important, should Chelsea want to secure Champions League football for next season they need start picking up wins as at the moment they are in ninth position.

READ MORE: “I’m not stupid” – Potter responds to pressure to deliver success and silverware at Chelsea

The Blues will now turn their focus to Europe for their midweek contest with Borussia Dortmund and Potter will be hoping his team can give the travelling supporters something to cheer about in Germany.