EXCL: No surprise if Pochettino is given next season still, Amorim NOT under consideration, Interest in Ferguson, Osimhen, Sesko, & Nusa but Gyokeres NOT on agenda, Outgoings, PSR, Stadium plans......

Inside Chelsea FC with Ben Jacobs

Chelsea's 2-2 draw at Sheffield United was one of their most disappointing results of the season. Having somehow beaten Manchester United 4-3, despite being 3-2 down nine minutes into added time, it was vital Chelsea followed up that seemingly momentum-building win with another three points.

Had they done so, Chelsea would have also been just three points behind sixth-placed Manchester United with a game in hand. Instead the gap is still five points, and there is a real chance Chelsea end the season without European football.

Chelsea scored early through Thiago Silva and then went into injury time 2-1 ahead thanks to Noni Madueke's brilliant strike. But they switched off right at the end allowing Oli McBurnie to equalise.

The truth is, Sheffield United deserved a point. Chelsea managed just six shots on goal. They are the first Premier League side to visit Sheffield United this season and have less than 10 attempts. The hosts give up an average of 18.5 goal shots per match at home. So often this season we have spoken about Chelsea missing big chances, but they just didn't create many at Bramall Lane.

In addition, it's now seven straight games Chelsea have conceded two or more goals, and their last clean sheet on the road came in early October when they beat Fulham 2-0. Since then, they have shipped 24 goals in 12 away games.

Mauricio Pochettino reasoned Chelsea's lack of consistency is down to not being "mature enough" to handle games every three days. That's worrying if true in a season without European football. If the project goes to plan, the fixtures are going to come thick and fast. It also doesn't explain why Chelsea were so flat given Pochettino also denied physical fatigue.

Based on his logic and words, the problem appears to be mental. Chelsea have lost that serial winner mentality and still don't have enough leaders on the pitch. Take Cole Palmer's 25 goal contributions away and they would be in big trouble.

It's clear the project needs time, 3-5 years according to Pochettino, but that will only be afforded if progress is seen. Pochettino will no doubt argue getting to the League Cup Final, potentially reaching the FA Cup Final, and finishing sixth, or even lower but with some form of European football, is a sign of the club moving in the right direction. The owners might agree as well.

But Chelsea are as inconsistent as they were under Graham Potter. They are scoring more, but conceding more, and still throwing away points. This may suggest it's not solely down to the manager since some of the issues Potter either caused or faced were inherited by Pochettino. Yet I am sure many fans feel the Chelsea boss has made problems for himself due to tactical decisions.

Whether Pochettino is or isn’t to blame, he is becoming scapegoated by the fanbase leading to an increasingly toxic atmosphere at Stamford Bridge. That’s why the incredible win over Manchester United was important, to build a connection between manager and fans. Sadly, it’s largely been undone by not winning at Sheffield United.