Chelsea's FA Cup defeat to Manchester City was the Blues' heaviest loss of the season. It came with a rotated side, albeit against another rotated side, but Pep Guardiola's men did not have to leave second gear to take advantage of Chelsea mistakes.
Graham Potter's team were unable to break through City's press often and errors presented themselves as Riyad Mahrez first dispatched a free-kick before Chelsea handed their opponents two penalties either side of a well-worked goal from Phil Foden.
Kalidou Koulibaly was responsible for a foul on Phil Foden, which allowed Mahrez to cap off the victory from the spot. The Senegal international's form has come under the spotlight, and partnered with 19-year-old Bashir Humphreys while Thiago Silva was rested, the onus was on the 31-year-old to take command.
READ MORE: Chelsea closing on Joao Felix transfer amid verbal agreement with Atletico Madrid star
Chelsea's backline has undergone a great deal of work since the arrival of Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali. Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen had departures already set in stone as the new Blues' ownership set about replacing them with Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana arriving in the summer, with the further £34million addition of Benoit Badiashile this month.
Between Koulibaly's struggles and Fofana's lengthy absence, it's difficult to feel like issues have been resolved. Chelsea's defensive record isn't necessarily particularly poor, only Arsenal, Manchester City and Newcastle have conceded fewer than the west London side's 19 goals in 17 games. However, Chelsea's failing attack have only managed 19 goals and that puts greater emphasis on every goal conceded.
Nevertheless, new-arrival Badiashile, watching on from the bench on Sunday, will see that he has an opportunity to find a place in Chelsea's starting XI. The combination of Silva and Koulibaly has been Potter's preference since the return from the World Cup, with Trevoh Chalobah having to generally settle for a place on the bench.
If Badiashile can embody the attitude and leadership of the Chelsea legends he admires, he will provide himself with a good opportunity to shine.
"Chelsea is a great club with great players," said the French defender. "I remember watching players like John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba when I was younger and it's a real joy to be able to play for a team that used to have players like this in the changing room."
The former Monaco man is familiar with the Blues' current roster too.
"I know Wesley [Fofana] very well,' added Badiashile. "He and I have played together for the national team, so I'm really happy to be able to join him here.
"Then there are some really big names here in the dressing room, like Thiago Silva who is an absolute legend of the game. He's a player I look up to and I'm really happy to have the opportunity to work with him and hopefully play next to him."
Silva will have recognised his own importance sitting alongside Badiashile from the Etihad Stadium dugout. No Chelsea player has played as many minutes as the 38-year-old Brazilian, who currently will become out of contract in the summer.
It is a situation Silva hoped would be resolved in either direction quickly, and the ex-PSG and Milan star has continued to prove his worth. While many would have hoped Chelsea's defence was further in it's transition, Silva remains the most important piece and the options looked lacking in defeat to Manchester City.
An agreement to extend Silva's deal would be a move away from what we have seen so far from Boehly and Egbahli. The duo have been keen to tie young stars down to long contracts whether they were already at the club or have arrived more recently like Badiashile. The 21-year-old signed a seven-and-a-half-year contract.
There is still time for Chelsea's transition to take place, and should Silva leave there will be an opportunity for Levi Colwill to take his position in the squad. However, the Brazilian star who arrived on a free transfer in 2020 has continued to prove how much he is relied upon.
READ NEXT:
Joao Felix has already told Chelsea where he wants to play as Todd Boehly 'agrees transfer'
Todd Boehly has unexpected Chelsea problem but stance on Graham Potter remains the same
Chelsea sacking Graham Potter solves nothing as Todd Boehly faces new Thomas Tuchel challenge
Chelsea make final Eden Hazard transfer decision as Potter seeks answers amid Newcastle stance
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
