Hmmm I don’t think we did as bad as the score nearly suggests.
We actually fixed a lot of the issues we’ve been struggling with in this game
- except we didn’t look that good on the ball and
- being done by a set piece
Xabi needed to use his subs earlier and not sure why Lavia wasn’t brought on. PL is a tough cookie
Another change in Chelsea's in-possession structure today with a lopsided 3-2-5 that utilises Fofana (right centre-back) in a slightly higher position. Meanwhile, Brentford are defending in a 4-4-2 block that has become more passive as the first half has wore on. This is because, initially, the Brentford wingers were pressing high but this allowed Chelsea to use their 5v4 overload on the last line by especially finding Chavarria will long switches. Anyway, I think Chelsea can create more tensions in Brentford's block. The following are my recommendations:
1. Staggered positioning of the midfielders:
Often, I've observed Henderson and Barco dropping outside of Brentford's block to receive. I don't think this is necessary to generate a 4v2 overload against Brentford's frontline when they're not pressing high. Instead, I'd like one of them, preferrable Barco, to push inside the block and receive between the lines. This will also facilitate suggestion 2.
2. Create central overloads:
With Brentford's wingers (Anthony and Schade) pinned back by Chelsea's players (Chavarria and Fofana), the midfielders (Yarmolyuk and Janelt) can be isolated in the centre while the centre-backs (Schuster and Ajer) are also pinned by Welbeck. If Barco can push higher, Palmer and Rogers drop deeper, Chelsea can create a 3v2 overload in midfield.
3. The Rogers-Chavarria combo:
I've seen glimpses of opportunities for Chavarria and Rogers to combine in a 2v2 situation against Kayode and Anthony. The winger (Anthony) can be tested with tracking back, too, where he might be susceptible to lapses in concentration. Chelsea could attempt to get beyond Brentford's backline from here before crossing it in.
Overall, I think Chelsea's possession play has leaned towards a risk averse nature to gain a level of on-ball control. The patience is fine but this eventually needs to translate into shots and hopefully goals. So, tapping into these three solutions and perhaps others which I'm not thinking about, Chelsea can do better to create shooting chances. We've not seen that yet but will have to very soon. Brentford can rely on keeping the game marginal and perhaps banking on a set-piece where Chelsea look weak from a defensive standpoint.
I'd argue that James's positioning should be better here for the first goal too.
There is nothing he can do to influence Rice as Pedro drops. In effect, he is having no influence on the game at this point.
A defensive midfielder is a specialist position. First and foremost, they need to know how to protect the midfield line.
YEAR 1 — INSTALL
→ Establish the 3-4-2-1/3-4-3 as the base structure
→ Build a reliable rest-defence
→ Consistent access into the half-spaces
→ Top-four finish + deep domestic/European run
YEAR 2 — AUTOMATE
→ Pressing triggers become consistent
→ Faster progression through midfield
→ Wing-backs become reliable sources of width
→ Reduce dependence on individual moments
→ Challenge seriously for a major trophy
YEAR 3 — DOMINATE
→ Become one of Europe’s best pressing teams
→ Control territory against elite opposition
→ Create more chances through repeatable mechanisms
→ Compete for the Premier League title
→ Reach the latter stages of the Champions League
YEAR 4 — COMPLETE
→ Chelsea consistently dictate games against different opponent profiles
→ Possession, pressing and transition phases all become strengths
→ Young core reaches genuine elite level
→ Premier League title challenge becomes the expectation
→ CL becomes the consistent target
It’s to give him four years of measurable progression Build the structure. Automate it. Dominate with it. Then compete at the very top.
🏉 Chelsea have been adopting Rugby tackle bags at Cobham this week, with the club aware of the physical challenge ahead of them this weekend. (@JamesSavundra@SkySportsNews) #CFC
If we're looking for a new midfielder, the player needs to fit a very specific prototype: the duelling passer.
Someone who's comfortable taking a large volume of touches and passing the ball forward, while also being good at duelling. It's not an easy profile to crack.
Chelsea are nearing a move for Rayo Vallecano defender Pep Chavarria. The left-back, 28, is key target for Xabi Alonso. The initial fee of about £16.3m plus there are further add-ons but final details need sorting.
https://t.co/huTzj7Tdxu