Chelsea’s Season So Far - Tactical Review

[[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20) Tactical Review: Season So Far

The video provides a comprehensive tactical review of [[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)’s season to date, covering 10 matches across different competitions:

• 7 Premier League games
• 2 Champions League fixtures
• 1 cup win

Key Statistical Comparisons

• Possession: Improved to 59.9% this season (from 57.1% last season)
• Shot Volume: Declined to 12.9 shots per 90 minutes (from 15.7 last season)

The drop in shot volume is a central concern discussed throughout the analysis.

Impact of Injuries

Injuries have significantly affected the squad, notably the absences of:

• Cole Palmer
• Liam Dap
• Levi Colwell

These absences have influenced tactical choices and player rotations.

Early Season Tactical Challenges

The first four matches were against teams employing a back five defensive setup:

• Crystal Palace
• West Ham
• Fulham
• Brentford

This defensive structure posed unique tactical challenges for [[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20).

Initial Tactical Setup: 3-1-6 Formation

Coach Mauricio (referred to as Moresca) initially experimented with a 3-1-6 shape, focusing on:

• Playing out from the back with a central center-back
• Using a single pivot (Casso)

However, difficulties emerged against back five defenses, particularly due to:

• Limited effectiveness of striker Xiao Pedro in pinning defenders
• Pressure from opposition players like Talipa on the left side, restricting [[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)’s progression

Tactical Shift: West Ham 5-1 Win

A notable tactical adjustment occurred during the 5-1 victory over West Ham, involving:

• Personnel changes (e.g., Tossin returning, Chaloba shifting left, Palmer replaced by Estal due to injury)
• More dynamic use of pocket players behind the striker
• Improved width, pressing, and attacking fluidity

This approach helped create more scoring opportunities.

Matches Against Fulham and Brentford

• Fulham: Injury to Dap led to Tyreek George coming on to stretch defenses, while Pedro operated as a number 10, reflecting Moresca’s preference for Pedro in a creative role against back five teams.
• Brentford: The draw highlighted the importance of key substitutes like Reese James and Kukar, who stabilized the team and enhanced composure and pressing after coming off the bench.

Formation Experiments: 2-2-5-1

[[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20) also experimented with a 2-2-5-1 formation in some games, which aims to:

• Overload opposition pressing with a striker
• Create numerical advantages

However, this formation requires precise execution to avoid defensive vulnerabilities.

Challenges Against Strong Opponents

The 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich and difficult matches against Manchester United and Lincoln exposed:

• Squad depth issues
• Mentality challenges

[[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20) struggled in physically demanding and high-pressure scenarios.

Recent Tactical Evolution: 4-3-3 System

More recently, [[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20) has shifted towards a 4-3-3 system characterized by:

• Starting with deeper fullbacks
• Transitioning into a 3-2-4-1 shape during play

This system allows:

• Greater central connectivity
• Rotations and technical interplay, especially involving players like Fernandez, Kukarea, Enzo, and Gusto

It has been effective in wins against Benfica and Liverpool, as well as a strong first half against Brighton (before a red card).

Ongoing Concerns: Shot Volume and Directness

• Shot volume remains a concern, influenced by personnel availability and playing style.
• [[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)’s directness is relatively low (1.54 direct speed, 19th in the league), partly due to the need to maintain possession safely given defensive vulnerabilities.
• The absence of Dap and Palmer limits forward runs and direct attacking options, increasing reliance on wingers and fullbacks to create shots and stretch defenses.

Player Contributions and Expectations

• Xiao Pedro’s shot volume is notably low (around 1.4 shots per game).
• Wingers like Ganacho, Gittens, and Estal are expected to contribute more by generating shots off the dribble.
• The return of Dap and Palmer is anticipated to improve directness and attacking dynamics by providing more runners and outlets.

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The video concludes by inviting questions and comments, mentioning an upcoming preview of the Forest game, and encouraging engagement through likes, comments, and subscriptions.

Presenters / Sources

• The video is presented by a [[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20) tactical analyst (name not explicitly given, referred to as Moresca in the tactical context, possibly the analyst or coach).