Chelsea FC has been facing some tough challenges lately, especially in defense. After a disappointing 2-2 draw against Qarabag FK in the Champions League, questions are being raised about the team's consistency and defensive solidity.
Defensive Lapses Costing Points
The match against Qarabag highlighted a recurring theme: poor defending. With Levi Colwill sidelined due to injury, Enzo Maresca has been rotating centre-backs, leading to inconsistent performances. The team was fortunate to concede only two goals against Qarabag, and a save from Robert Sanchez prevented a potentially decisive goal in the dying minutes.
Even in bigger matches against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool, while the intensity increased, the lack of consistency remains a concern. A physically strong team like Qarabag was able to dominate at times, exposing Chelsea's defensive vulnerabilities.
Attacking Struggles Too
While the defense is a major issue, the attack hasn't been firing on all cylinders either. There's a lack of offensive bite, and failing to reach even 1.5 xG (expected goals) against a team with a much smaller budget is disappointing. Too often, Chelsea seems to rely on hopeful crosses and through balls.
Maresca's Challenge
Head coach Enzo Maresca acknowledged the need for a new centre-back early in the season. However, even with the attacking players scoring goals to keep Chelsea competitive, defensive errors continue to undermine their efforts.
Costly mistakes, poor decision-making under pressure, and a lack of coordination are plaguing the team. The latest error came from 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato in the Qarabag match. Fixing this leaky defense is crucial for Chelsea to reach its full potential.
Looking Ahead
Chelsea fans are understandably frustrated by the repeated mistakes. While the club's long-term strategy focuses on developing young players, these errors are a part of the process. The key is to learn from these mistakes and improve the team's overall consistency and defensive organization. Building on positive results, like the one against Wolves, is essential to create a good run of form and climb up the Premier League table.