Wednesday delivered another disappointingly predictable defeat for Chelsea in the Premier League. Despite facing a seemingly troubled Manchester United side, Chelsea suffered a disjointed 2-1 loss at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag’s management. This setback followed a hard-fought but somewhat fortunate win against Brighton, attempting to recover from a 4-1 thrashing by Newcastle United.
In the wake of this disheartening defeat, Chelsea faces Everton on Sunday, and to overcome their recent struggles, they must address the following key aspects:
1. Maintain Discipline:
Goodison Park, buoyed by Everton’s recent 3-0 victory over Newcastle, will present a charged atmosphere. Chelsea’s foremost challenge is to keep their composure, as they have grappled with disciplinary issues throughout the season, accumulating 47 yellow cards and three red cards. Recent dismissals of players like Conor Gallagher and captain Reece James highlight the need for improved discipline. The physical advantage Everton may employ could tempt Chelsea into an unnecessarily aggressive battle, making it crucial for them to stay composed.
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2. Break Down Low Defensive Blocks:
Despite significant investments in attacking options, Chelsea has struggled against deep defensive setups this season. Recent home defeats to Nottingham Forest and Brentford showcased their difficulty in breaking down deep defenses, often leading to vulnerability to quick counter-attacks. Mauricio Pochettino’s side needs to enhance its ability to penetrate low blocks, relying on players like Cole Palmer, Raheem Sterling, and Enzo Fernandez to unlock Everton’s defense. Efficient ball use in the attacking third, avoiding reliance on long-range efforts, is essential.
3. Prepare for Aerial Duels:
Chelsea’s vulnerability to headers has become a concerning trend, conceding from aerial plays in their last four matches. Traveling to Goodison Park, where Everton boasts one of the tallest teams in the division, Chelsea needs to be wary. Players like Thiago Silva and Levi Colwill, who have proven capabilities in winning aerial duels, must step up. However, Chelsea should also focus on preventing crossing opportunities in wide areas and minimizing unnecessary set-pieces, as Everton possesses height in players like Beto, James Tarkowski, and Abdoulaye Doucoure, potentially exploiting Chelsea’s aerial vulnerability.
Addressing these aspects will be crucial for Chelsea to bounce back against Everton and regain momentum in the Premier League.