Four talking points following the Blues’ 1-0 victory.
Manchester City have been in sensational form this season, and naturally, they’ve attracted much of the press’ attention and admiration. However, Chelsea’s 1-0 win against the Saints denoted our eighth league victory in our last ten games; the only defeat came at the hands of David Moyes’ West Ham United.
In truth, the result doesn’t reflect how comfortable the game was for the Premier League champions, and with greater ruthlessness, the margin of victory would have been far more comprehensive.
Thankfully, the Blues broke the deadlock courtesy of another magnificent strike from Marcos Alonso – no Premier League defender has more goals than the Spaniard since the start of last season. In a David Beckham inspired style, the 26-year-old bent his shot around the wall and the ball nestled into the bottom corner.
Chelsea had more significant opportunities to extend their advantage, yet the game finished with only a single goal.
- The false 9 is an intriguing option
Chelsea’s successive victories against Huddersfield and Southampton displays the utility of the false nine as an alternative strategy for Antonio Conte’s team. In fact, we flaunt a tremendous record of success when employing the false nine under Conte’s wise guidance. The Blues have won all five games when Eden Hazard has played as the false nine, scoring 14 goals.
- Fabregas should start against teams that we’re expected to dominate
When the Spaniard was introduced in the second-half, his impact was instantaneous as he evoked a sudden and a palpable shift in the game’s intensity. He almost created a goal for Hazard that was ruled offside, and he came agonisingly close to scoring himself. Indeed, the Spaniard’s capacity to produce chances is invaluable.
- Marcos, Marcos Alonso…
The Spaniard is often the subject of scrutiny and criticism. However, he provided a timely reminder of the quality that he can deliver. Without question, the 26-year-old is exceptionally lethal from dead-ball situations, and he has scored ten league goals since the beginning of last season. It is far too easy to disregard the attacking quality that the Spaniard provides.
- Christensen continues to thrive
The Dane’s indisputable excellence has been discussed at length this season, yet it’s important to emphasise how terrific he has performed since establishing himself as a mainstay at the heart of the defence. The ingenuity that characterises his work can be found in the manner in which he makes defending seem elementary, his ability to read the game and intervene accordingly is effortless.
What are your thoughts? Let us know!
