Winless in 3!
When the going gets tough, the tough get going. We must utilise this famous expression to provide us with hope and optimism that we’re able to revert this period of poor – and under Conte’s guidance – uncharacteristic form.
Three winless fixtures have sharply contrasted the sheer unbridled ecstasy that we enjoyed in our indelible 2-1 victory against Atletico Madrid. During those fixtures we registered the undesired feat of losing successive league games to Manchester City and Crystal Palace, while we did manage to avoid defeat against Roma, the way we attained a point was infuriating.
Despite enjoying a position of substantial comfort having amassed a two-goal lead, the Blues let their defensive defects undermine the strength of our attacking potency to conceded three unanswered goals. Luckily, the heroics of Eden Hazard was sufficient to salvage a point on the night and maintain our unbeaten run in Europe.
- Our defensive deficiencies were palpable
It was the fourth consecutive game in which we failed to register a clean sheet and in an indistinguishable manner to the City and Palace games; we allowed our opponents to dictate proceedings at the heart of the pitch. Roma ended the game with the larger share of possession having also registered more shots on target.
- N’Golo Kante was missed (again!)
In the Frenchman’s absence, we struggle to exert any sense of control in midfield. Fabregas and Bakayoko are undeniably talented, yet they required the presence of a defender – in the form of David Luiz – to help structure the midfield. The decision to sub Luiz saw us lose structure at the heart of the pitch.
- Cesar Azpilicueta’s unfamiliar and untimely decline
The Spaniard is without question one of the most proficient defenders in the Premier League, if not in world football, yet he’s struggled in recent games to achieve his typically impeccable standards. He struggled against a Palace team that exploited their pace, and atypically, he failed to thrive against Roma.
- Eden Hazard is slowly – but surely – getting back to his best.
Eden Hazard scored the first goals of the new season for the Blues against AS Roma, and he was a menacing figure throughout the entirety of the eighty minutes. The Belgian registered a vital brace while providing Conte with pace, creativity, and invention in attack.
- The Hazard-Morata partnership could be fruitful
The pair are beginning to demonstrate an understanding that could potentially rival the relationship that Costa and Fabregas enjoyed together at Chelsea. Both players are technically adept and thus can link-up play well. The signs for a blossoming partnership has certainly been established.
Let us know your thoughts!
