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'DESPERATE TIMES'

Fans baffled as Chelsea bring on unknown debutant, 20, in desperate hunt for equaliser despite spending nearly £1BILLION

BEMUSED fans blasted "insane" Chelsea for bringing on a rookie striker in a failed attempt to rescue a draw - despite splashing nearly £1billion.

Ex-Charlton star Mason Burstow, 20, was new boss Mauricio Pochettino's last throw of the dice in a 3-1 defeat at West Ham.

Surprise sub Mason Burstow applauds Chelsea fans after the 3-1 loss at West Ham
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Surprise sub Mason Burstow applauds Chelsea fans after the 3-1 loss at West HamCredit: Getty
Burstow had little time to impress but at least Raheem Sterling looked back to his best as the Chelsea frontman caused the Hammers' regular problems
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Burstow had little time to impress but at least Raheem Sterling looked back to his best as the Chelsea frontman caused the Hammers' regular problemsCredit: Getty

And supporters couldn't believe Poch had no suitable big names to call on as the Argentinian has continued the Blues' incredible 12-month spree.

One fan claimed it's "desperate times" already after just one point from the first two Premier League games.

Another observer posted: "Mason Burstow comes on for Chelsea, 1 billion and this is your substitute?"

A third supporter was even more harsh: "Don't mean to be rude but what the f** is a Mason Burstow."

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And a fourth reckoned the move could be ominous for the Stamford Bridge chief so early in his reign.

He wrote: "Poch said no to Neymar and Felix is now bringing on Mason Burstow. He’s getting sacked by March."

The Blues signed Burstow from Charlton in February last year, loaning him back to the League One club for the rest of that season.

Last term he was the 10-goal top-scorer for Chelsea's Development Squad in the Premier League 2.

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And in fact Blues' fans began the month raving about him as he netted a last-minute leveller in a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund.

Now that it's the serious stuff, however, supporters are more concerned about Pochettino turning to the little-known prospect when chasing a game.

One said: "Pretty insane that Chelsea have spent ~ €1B in the last year and when needing a goal they’ve had to turn to Mason Burstow."

And followers of rival clubs gleefully pounced on the Blues for their "questionable squad-building".

Such trolling included: "Just an absolutely huge fan of Chelsea spending a billion on their squad and ending up with Mason Burstow up front."

The Blues were 2-1 down when the Londoner came on for fellow 20-year-old Malo Gusto on 83 minutes.

And although Chelsea dominated possession, £115million new boy Moises Caicedo summed up his woe after coming on for a second-half debut by conceding a penalty.

Lucas Paqueta tucked it home to complete West Ham's smash-and-grab success.

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