Chelsea supporters have expressed their sympathy for Hakim Ziyech after the winger missed a glorious opportunity in their 3-0 win against Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon.
The Morocco international was handed a rare chance in the starting XI for the Blues, as they scored three second-half goals to pick up maximum points against the Magpies.
The 28-year-old has made just two starts in the Premier League under Thomas Tuchel this season and had a fantastic chance to repay his manager's faith in the 34th minute when the game was level.
After a low ball in from Reece James on the right-hand side, the ball hit Kai Havertz and then fell to Ziyech at the back post, but the Moroccan could not guide his finish in from close range.
Chelsea fans, when taking to social media following the miss, shared their sympathy for Ziyech, with the view that the opportunity was more difficult than initially thought.
Tuchel was asked about the former Ajax star, who moved from Amsterdam to London last summer, recently and the Chelsea boss called on the tricky winger to remain patient despite his lack of playing time.
"First of all, it’s maybe the same line again, he fought his way into the team, he was in the team at the beginning of the season because of performance," Tuchel said.
"It was so obvious after pre-season and the matches in pre-season that he has to be on the pitch.
"To start from there he was on the pitch, then he scored and had the injury in the Super Cup game. From there, I felt it cost him a lot because even until today I don’t feel he’s 100 per cent free in his shoulder.
"When we played him over 90 minutes, we started him several times after that, we started him in the Champions League, I felt that even if there’s no pain, even it’s it’s maybe [his] subconscious, there is something which limits him in his movements and his freedom to turn, accelerate and decelerate.
"He needs time and patience to fight his way back into the team, that’s the way it is.
"Looking for a spot, while he was out, okay, some other guys performed, he’s one of our players and we will never lose the trust and never lose patience with him, he will stay an important player I’m sure."
Ziyech will be desperate to be given another opportunity to showcase what he can do on Tuesday evening, with Chelsea going to Malmo in their fourth Champions League group game.
