Romelu Lukaku sent pointed message by Thomas Tuchel after dismal seven-touch display

Romelu Lukaku managed just seven touches of the ball in a dismal display for Chelsea against Crystal Palace.

Hakim Ziyech's late goal ensured the Blues took three points - despite getting minimal output from their big-money striker.

And under a backdrop of unrest and frustration surrounding Lukaku, manager Thomas Tuchel insisted his tactics were not to blame as he sent a pointed message to the Belgian.

Tuchel shrugged his shoulders when asked if Lukaku having only seven touches was down to the formation, telling beIN SPORTS: "No. No, it’s not about system."

Asked to elaborate on the performance of Lukaku, he continued: "Well it is what it is.

"But it is for him no change of system because it’s the same attacking structure.

"We always attack in a 4-1, it’s just for the build-up sometimes we build-up in a 3-2 and sometimes in a 4-1. For him it changed nothing."

In his post-match press conference, Tuchel said when asked about Lukaku's performance: "I’m not so sure if I have a good answer for your question, I don’t know.

"Obviously he was not involved and could not make a point today. I’m not sure if it says so much about us in general."

Back in December, Lukaku sparked uproar by claiming he was "not happy" at Chelsea and criticising Tuchel's tactics.

At the time, he told Sky Sport Italia: "Physically I'm fine, even better than before. After two years in Italy, in which I worked a lot at Inter with trainers and nutritionists, I am physically fine.

"But I'm not happy with the situation, this is normal.

"I think the coach has chosen to play with another system, I just have to not give up and continue to work and be a professional.

"I am not happy with the situation, but I am a worker and I must not give up."

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