Chelsea keeps doing the same thing in defense, and oppositions know how to play it to their advantage. Martin Odegaard was involved in the pass that set up another goal at Chelsea’s far post in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Arsenal. Defense has become a big problem for Chelsea. In their last few league games, they have let in five goals like that.
This season Chelsea’s defense is on a struggle. Only in eleven games have they kept two clean sheets. At least it was against weaker teams. Teams keep scoring against them in their big matches in basically the same way. The problem is they leave so much space at the back post and other teams are making the most of it.
So let’s take a look at some recent examples. Chris Wood was left unmarked for Chelsea against Nottingham Forest before scoring. Curtis Jones of Liverpool was beaten after he managed to run free and score, with Fulham midfielder Thomas Frank completing the same feat. Alexander Isak found space to score at Newcastle and Rasmus Hojlund found himself free at the far post for Manchester United. Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli’s latest goal revealed this problem isn’t fixed.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca keeps changing his defense. In eight games, he has already used five different defensive lineups. That means the players haven’t got enough time to work well together. Right now, it is between Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill who is the main center back but these are still two young guys who are learning to play as a team. Fofana was out all of last season with an injury.
Defense of Chelsea A problem?
Things have become a lot more complicated with Reece James’ return. Normally a right back, James has been moved to the left. As a result, Malo Gusto and Marc Cucurella will have to fight over spots too. Cucurella did well against Arsenal against Bukayo Saka but the team hasn’t yet found the best defensive combination.
The style of play that Chelsea adopts and looks to play creates some of these problems. They bring their defenders high up the field and play with them. However, that space is left behind for other teams to attack. They don’t control their penalty area too well, with their goalkeeper, Robert Sanchez. It goes some way toward persuading teams to swing crosses into Chelsea’s box.
Maresca defends his team’s method. Their high defensive line has stopped five or six goals this season, he says, but he remains positive about their chances. Chelsea’s wingers don’t help defend in the same way as wingers do for other teams. It means Chelsea can attack quickly, but their defenders are then exposed.
Same problems
But for Chelsea, there are some big challenges looking ahead. They do not have a young squad that has enough experience and leadership. But these problems aren’t going to fix themselves quickly. It gives time for the team to develop together, to learn and grow together. It will be tested whether they can solve these defensive issues, against Arsenal next and then against United away.
Chelsea, experts think they need to make some changes. The team should work on positioning at the far post, according to their suggestions. Defenders also need better communication with them. Former players say Chelsea has no choice but to change their playing style until their defense is more solid.
This is a worrying trend. Any top team is giving up more shots from crosses than Chelsea. In addition, they’ve conceded the most goals from far-post situations this season. That means they see a weakness in their defense and are attacking it.
There has been recent training on how to fix these problems. Players are getting defensive positioning and awareness coaching from the coaching staff. It is going to be crucial for Chelsea in the next few weeks. But they hit several teams who are known for their crossing ability.
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