Chelsea has only penetrated the net 5 times after the first 4 matches in the Premier League. This raises many concerns that the Blues are going down the same path as last season. Below are 5 potential solutions to help Chelsea resolve the situation.
CHANGE TACTICAL CHART
Throughout his coaching career to date, coach Mauricio Pochettino has built his reputation with a flexible 4-2-3-1 system. However, since coming to Chelsea, he has abandoned that scheme in favor of a 3-4-2-1 defensive scheme. Although this Blues team is used to playing three central defenders under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, they clearly need another change and 4-2-3-1 is probably the most reasonable.
BE LESS CAUTION IN THE MIDDLE LINE
The defensive layout and lack of creativity in the midfield have become a big problem for Chelsea. In recent matches, Pochettino has chosen to use the trio of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Conor Gallagher in the midfield. Overall, none of these are really good at supporting attacks.
MORE RESPONSIBILITY ON THE WING PLAYERS
Chelsea relies heavily on wingers to score and create goals, but only Raheem Sterling has been in nearly his best form since the beginning of the new season. Carney Chukwuemeka is getting better with each match, but it’s unfortunate that he got injured again. Coach Pochettino needs to demand more from both Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk – both players have played poorly so far.
The best way to handle it is for Pochettino to position Madueke or Mudryk deep in the final third of the opponent’s field, letting them play their way. Chukwuemeka’s injury has freed up space on the left wing, and a tweak to the formation may be necessary to get the best out of this pair of tricky wingers.
“BET” ON ARMANDO BROJA
Another option for Pochettino is to give a chance to Chelsea’s “forgotten” player: Armando Broja. This young striker has partially returned to full training after he entered the final stage of recovery from a ligament injury suffered during the World Cup break at the end of 2022. Before that, Broja was able to play regularly. often under Tuchel and Potter.
Although he didn’t really show good performance during his time on the field, Broja will feel like a new contract once he returns. In addition, the 22-year-old striker will bring depth and necessary competition to Nicolas Jackson – who has been disappointing in recent starting matches, with a series of missed good opportunities. After what he showed in the Southampton shirt on loan in the 2021/22 season, Broja showed that he can shine in the Premier League. If confidence and motivation are built up, Broja can become a very useful weapon.
HELP JACKSON BACK CONFIDENCE
When asked if he believes Jackson can become sharp, Coach Pochettino replied: “Yes, of course. But Jackson needs time. He needs to adapt to the Premier League. He is doing very well.” But scoring goals is not easy. Sometimes Jackson is a bit hasty in his decisions, but this just means that he needs to stabilize himself, be calmer and more comfortable. Then the goal will come too”.
Pochettino’s words were not the comforting words of a teacher to his students. Jackson is truly capable. He possesses speed, agility, good ball handling, and the ability to coordinate with surrounding satellites. Jackson has the potential to become a serious problem for opposing defenses. With the national team gathering underway, Pochettino will have more time to tinker with tactical systems to start the tough period ahead, when the tournaments start again.