Fans call Saul's Chelsea debut 'garbage' after midfielder is subbed at half-time

Fans have branded Saul Niguez' first-half performance as 'garbage' and 'embarrassing' after the Chelsea midfielder was hooked at half-time on his debut.

The Spaniard, who signed on loan from Atletico Madrid on transfer deadline day, was thrown straight into action against Aston Villa on Saturday in the Premier League.

But Niguez, 26, was lacklustre, and was taken off by manager Thomas Tuchel at the interval for Jorginho - with fans quick to take to social media to lambast his first-half showing.

Pundit Graeme Souness said at half-time: 'There were four Villa chances and three of them were because of Saul.

'Villa have done really well, high energy and Tuchel's got to get Saul off at half-time for me.

'It's not been a good 45 minutes for him. Chelsea will keep the ball better with Jorginho on.'

Niguez was routinely careless and sloppy in possession, which gifted Villa several presentable chances, and fans posted stating their relief after he left the pitch.

One said: 'I've not seen many PL debuts worse than Saul's in that first half gotta say,' with another tweeting: 'Saul is living proof how hard it is just to come into the Premier League and perform straight away.. was garbage that first half'.

A third added: Boost for Chelsea as Villa's best player, Saul Niguez is substituted at half time,' with another continuing: Saul is going to need to buy Mendy and Thiago a beer after this match. They've bailed him out multiple times already. #CHEAVL'.

One fan simply stated: 'Saul disasterclass how embarrassing'.

Tuchel had said before the match: 'It was a pretty easy one (to give Saul a debut). He looked sharp and ready in training.

'N'Golo is out, Jorginho is overused from the international break and has a lot of minutes in his legs. Saul is ready to adapt and let's go.'