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Chelsea Analysis

FA Cup Soured Cherry On Top But Did Not Ruin The Season

By Chelsea AnalysisNo Comments

Losing the FA Cup Final to Arsenal was a disappointing end to the season for Chelsea fans, leaving everyone deflated despite an excellent season.

With the victory parade cancelled due to safety concerns (something we totally understand), we had to rely on the end of season awards to bounce back as a club and continue the celebrations.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i16V3Gb8L9s

The Cup Final

Losing a cup final is never ideal, it appeared that the last two weeks of relaxation and celebration had left the players heavy-legged and lacking the fire and passion that had driven the club forward for most of the season.

On the day Arsenal were the better team, a phrase that sticks in the throat, the game could easily have been over by half-time and it was only great defending by Gary Cahill and poor finishing that denied the Gunners.

Second half we showed more grit, but the sending off of Victor Mosts made the task almost impossible. Despite the equaliser of Diego Costa it still felt like we would be denied.

Moments later Arsenal regained their lead and with it the trophy.

Looking Forwards

When looking for silver linings, it looks like Arsene Wenger will stay, which means that we can look forward to plenty of drama on Arsenal Fan TV in the coming months.

With the season over we move on, now the transfer window is poised to open and the rumour mill will kick into gear. Over that summer period, we must remember that we are Champions, not defeated finalists.

Because in less than 80 days the season starts up again and we will be desperate to put up a better title defence than we did during 2014/2015.

Much of that may depend on the futures of Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas, we would be ok with either of them leaving, providing we can get similar ability replacements. Given their records this may be easier said than done.

Until then Champions of England we know what we are!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOAongRYyPw

How Zouma Return Saves Conte Millions

By Chelsea AnalysisNo Comments

Before a knee injury ruled him out for almost a year Kurt Zouma was well on his way to establishing himself as a cult hero at Stamford Bridge.

After 11 months out he made his return against Peterborough United, starting and finishing what turned out to be an entertaining stroll for a rotated Chelsea squad.

Having Zouma back gives Antonio Conte a high-quality centre-back to compete with David Luiz, Gary Cahill, Cesar Azpilicueta and John Terry. Removing the need to dip into the January transfer window despite the ongoing rumours.

Before his injury Zouma looked set to push Gary Cahill out of the starting line-up or Stamford Bridge altogether, however the heart of the Chelsea defence has changed almost beyond recognition during his time on the sidelines.

Antonio Conte now plays three in the centre of defence giving more opportunities within the line up. However now he must compete with the return of David Luiz and the movement of Cesar Azpilicueta into the central defensive trio.

Will Zouma Get In The Chelsea Team?

Chelsea have gone on a great run with a defence of Cahill, Luiz and Azipilcueta and it will be tough to break that partnership.

Competition for places will be fierce, but with time I am backing the Frenchman to oust Gary Cahill and consign John Terry to retirement. This may sound like a negative but it gives the Blues perfect succession planning. Replacing Terry was never going to be easy but it looks like we have the foundations set.

This may sound like a negative but it gives the Blues perfect succession planning. Replacing Terry was never going to be easy but it looks like we have the foundations set.

The return of Zouma is more than a boost to the current squad but also to the clubs balance sheet. After a cash windfall from selling Oscar a defender was rumoured to be high on the list.

His return means this can be postponed to the summer at the earliest when prices will be more reasonable and the Blues can take their time to identify the right target. So it is safe to assume that the return of Zouma may have saved the club millions in the short term.

Chelsea winning 14 Premier League games in a row

Beating Spurs More Important Than Chelsea Winning 14 Premier League Games In A Row

By Chelsea AnalysisNo Comments

We will find out tomorrow if Chelsea winning 14 Premier League games in a row will become a reality. It would be an incredible record, but let’s stay focused. The most important thing is that victory would put Chelsea 8 points clear at the top of the table.

Whilst the record of Chelsea winning 14 Premier League games in a row would be nice the points are more important.

If we win then we will stride further away from the back, but if we lose there will be four teams almost within touching distance.

Confident Of Getting A Result?

Given our form it is possible to be over-confident, winning has become a habit after all. If we play the way we have been recently we have a huge chance of getting the points.

However, the game is far from a foregone conclusion, Spurs are playing decent football at the moment and getting the right result will be a real challenge.

All of our core of players will be available and Antonio Conte will have the choice between Nemanja Matic and Cesc Fabregas. Playing away from home the logic is that Matic will get the nod, however I trust Conte’s judgement either way.

Tottenham Fans Looking For Revenge

Tottenham fans are getting quite excited about the opportunity to end our run and get revenge for last season.

That is one narrative although I will be hoping Blues fans will be crowing breaking the record against a rival.  I am sure that whoever wins will go to great lengths to remind their rivals for years to come.

The record is not the most important thing, it certainly would be sweet to go 8 points clear and break a Premier League record in the process.

Whatever happens tomorrow Chelsea will hold the record for most consecutive Premier League wins, it would be better not to share the honour with Arsenal though.

Victor Moses Wing Back

Victor Moses Wing Back Role Hope To Chelsea Youngsters

By Chelsea AnalysisNo Comments

There are 30-40 professional footballers that should take heart from seeing Victor Moses wing back role for Chelsea. Seeing Moses bursting up and down the wing for the Blues is a beacon that joining Chelsea is not footballing pergatory for everyone.

He gives youth products hope that being sent out on loan does not mean they will not get a chance at Chelsea.

Moses joined Chelsea when we were Champions of Europe and Wigan were still in the Premier League. I remember travelling to Wigan for our league fixture against them and Moses being serendaded with “Victor Moses we’ll see you next week” as rumours he was joining Chelsea grew.

Victor Moses An Eternity On Loan

He played a bit part role under Roberto Di Matteo and then the other manager that year as we won the Europa League. With the arrival of Jose Mourinho he was deemed surplus to requirements and sent out on loan to Liverpool.

Two more seasons of loan spells followed, despite Moses showing flashes of talent during every pre-season. He must have been feeling this time a year ago that his career at Chelsea was over.  Then last season happened and Antonio Conte became manager and Moses got his customary pre-season chance and took it.

Convincing Conte he had something to offer and surviving the annual loan farming that occurs.

Victor Moses Wing Back Born

 

Moses started the season as an impact substitute coming on for the last 15-20 minutes of the odd game. The defeat to Arsenal forced Conte into a tactical rethink and “Victor Moses Wing Back” was born.

Since then CHelsea have played 6 Premier League games without conceding and Moses has been ever present. He has been the break out player of the 3-4-3 formation with a perfect defensive record supplemented by one goal and one assist.

It looks like Moses is now the first name on the team sheet and growing with every game, his attitude seems perfect. Young Chelsea players should look to him as an example of patience and the right mental attitude.

See Victor Moses season stats here – http://www.espnfc.co.uk/player/112547/victor-moses

Chelsea Youth Development under Antonio Conte

Chelsea Youth Development Boosted By Injury & Transfer Market

By Chelsea Youth DevelopmentNo Comments

Chelsea youth development or the lack of it in the first team is famous. It is continuously debated by fans, bloggers, pundits, journalists and former players.

Chelsea fans wants to see Chelsea youth players break into the first team and contribute to a winning team, however, are unsure if there will ever be the right environment for it to happen for even the most talented player.

Chelsea have one of the best youth set-ups in the country but it has yet to bear fruit for us. It has been successful in creating dozens of professional players plying their trade elsewhere or out on loan. Yet not since John Terry has Chelsea youth development had something to hang its hat on.

Instead of using the youth team managers have repeatedly bought in ready made players. Transfer inflation and competition may be about to change that in the squad positions.

Why Chelsea Youth Development Is A Challenge

Talent is sculpted over time before it is ready for display. So far Chelsea have invested heavily in chisels but failed to find the right subject or the bravery to put it on display.

Picking young players is a calculated gamble by managers. Even last season when there was nothing to play for, experience trumped youth development. This is fuelled by the pressure for results. Which has  created a culture where this is more likely to be punished than rewarded.

What Could Have Changed For Conte

A lack of investment in marquee players during the transfer window due to rampant price inflation and competitiveness for top players, has created an opportunity for Chelsea youth.

Against Leicester injury and lack of alternatives meant that there were four Chelsea youth products sat next to John Terry on the bench.

Two came on as substitutes as we cruised to victory. This could be something we see throughout the season. For the first time in years, we could see multiple youth team products making 10 -15 league appearances in supporting roles.

Hopefully one or two will be able to break through and claim a regular starting place. This is a dream that seems far away at the moment. Yet a few good performances from a prospect and who knows.

We are not there yet but the future of Chelsea youth development looks bright under Antonio Conte in our present set of circumstances.

Calm Down Chelsea Fans The World Is Not Ending Despite Liverpool Defeat

By Chelsea AnalysisNo Comments

After hearing of crisis meetings at Chelsea late into the night after defeat by Liverpool and the reaction of some Chelsea fans, you would think we have been transported back 10 months when Mourinho’s second era was in its death throes.

A draw against Swansea and defeat to Liverpool at home are not ideal results but they are hardly apocalyptic considering where we are in the season.

We absolutely murdered Swansea but gave away the game with two individual areas. Against Liverpool, we got what our play deserved. We allowed Liverpool to execute their game plan and have a weak argument that we deserved much more than we got.

Avoid Endemic Short Term Thinking

Short term thinking is a disease within top-level football. Clubs sack managers after a slight hiccup and fans of all teams seem to turn on their team after just a result or two. Just look at the pressure on Mourinho after one bad week at Manchester United, two weeks ago he was a god now there is talk that he is past it.

Just look at the pressure on Mourinho after one bad week at Manchester United, two weeks ago he was a god now there is talk that he is past it.

We should be two points ahead of where we currently and that ignores the late shows against West Ham and Watford, that added points to the total despite struggling.

We are five games into the season and we are in the mix at the top of the table, Antonio Conte has barely had time to get his feet under the table so give him time. This does not mean that we were not shouting our throats horse when he refused to make any changes as things disintegrated against Liverpool, but we need to take a more rational view after the passion of game day subsides.

Are we a better team than we were last season? Ask me in other 5-10 Premier League games as things start to become clearer.

 

 

 

Why Chelsea Need Cesc Fabregas

Why Chelsea Need Cesc Fabregas

By Chelsea AnalysisNo Comments

Despite a new system it is clear that Chelsea need Cesc Fabregas, even if he may no longer be part of Antonio Conte’s first choice XI.

Therefore it is reassuring that Fabregas has of his own volition rubbished reports that have surfaced linking him with a move away from the Bridge and the idea that Conte had told him he was not needed.

In a faster and physical Premier League Fabregas is a little bit of a luxury, but he offers something different that Chelsea will need over the course of a long season.

Why Chelsea Need Cesc Fabregas

The Premier League moves fast and teams quickly figure out sides that play the same way for an extended period of time. Chelsea need Cesc Fabregas to provide the tactical flexibility that will be vital over a 38 game season.

Fabregas may not start every game but he will start many, and even where he doesn’t from the bench he will have a significant role to play. He is still at the top of his game in that creative attacking midfield position.

His role will be to break down teams where two defensive midfielders shifting the ball to the flanks quickly will not work. We have already seen him provide the perfect pass for Diego Costa against Watford. Just three games in there are points won that can be directly attributed to his contribution.

Will Chelsea Need Cesc Fabregas Long Term

Whilst Fabregas states that he is happy and ready to fight for his place it will be interesting to see how the dust settles over the course of the season. How much game time he will get and how he will feel about a diminished role should that become the status quo.

For now though we will be happy to hear that Fabregas is going nowhere.

 

Chelsea goal celebration after WIllian scores against Burnley

Chelsea Defeat Burnley – Feeling Positive Ahead Of Intl Break

By Chelsea AnalysisNo Comments

This weekend saw Chelsea defeat Burnley and restore a feeling that has been missing from Stamford Bridge. The feeling of watching a fluid Chelsea defeat Burnley in such a comprehensive way, where the result was barely in doubt has been sorely missed.

Last season every home game felt like we were the underdogs no matter who we were playing. Chances were hard to come by and the opposition defences seemed to have got our attack figured out.

The balance seems to have changed again with the team moving the ball faster and creating more chances. There will be tougher challenges ahead but it is nice to see Chelsea winning the games they are expected to comfortably.

Normality Returns – Chelsea Beat Burnley

A 3-0 win was the perfect performance for a home game against a newly promoted side. Victory against Liverpool convinced some fans that Burnley would be a tough proposition but a near perfect performance quickly put paid to that.

There was an early goal to throttle the opposition game plan, then a 2nd before half time to create a comfort cushion. This allowed Chelsea to relax a little and use substitutions to rest key players. Despit this the chances just kept on coming.

The game was rounded with a late goal for Victor Moses who looks like he will have a role to play in his first full season at the Bridge since 2012/2013.

Looking Ahead – International Break

Chelsea now go into the international break with maximum points from his first three Premier League games. It is far too early to look at the table but this 100% start creates a platform for Antonio Conte to work from as the season gets serious moving into autumn.

September will see the first real challenges to the new Conte era with games against Liverpool, Arsenal and Leicester.

There is a long road to be travelled but as fans we could not be happier to see Chelsea winning again.

Image of Chelsea defeat Burnley were provided by J_D_Fletcher_

Will Chelsea's Good Form Last

Will Chelsea’s Good Form Last?

By Chelsea AnalysisNo Comments

There is an air of optimism around Stamford Bridge at the moment and we are all wondering will Chelsea’s good form last.

Three games and three wins from two competitions has got Chelsea fans feeling optimistic. This has been aided by the way we have won the two Premier League games.

Scoring late goals to win games adds something extra special to a win and we are in a Conte honeymoon period.

Reason For Optimism

Antonio Conte has come in and shown the fire and passion that energises fans and brought a positive culture to the team.

On the pitch, things are improving as well. Eden Hazard has remembered that he is a world class footballer. Moody Diego Costa is on fire and we have a new striker that knows how to find the net.

Our main signing so far N’Golo Kante looks like he has been playing at the heart of our midfield for years.

The defence still needs work but there is still a little time left in the transfer window to give the manager the resources he needs.

The defence still needs work but there is still a little time left in the transfer window to give the manager the resources he needs.

Will Chelsea’s Good Form Last?

Next up is a home tie against newly promoted Burnley, a real opportunity to keep the positive momentum going.

However, the Premier League is as unpredictable as ever and nothing can be taken for granted. Fans should be cautious as Chelsea are on the cusp of a recovery and Burnley have shown some pedigree by beating Liverpool convincingly last weekend.

Even so, the odds on Smartbets are in favour of Chelsea with the bookies strongly backing Antonio Conte’s men to keep their winning streak going into the international break.

 

With Conte in charge there might be slightly few looking to bet against the Blues in the coming weeks and months.

Chelsea Analysis – Conte Improves Chelsea

By Chelsea AnalysisNo Comments

After two games there is evidence that Antonio Conte improves Chelsea.

If you look at the table alone then Chelsea are off to a flyer with maximum points. However, the results hide the late scrambles that preceded these victories that suggest the Italian still has work to do.

To point out that Chelsea only squeaked past West Ham United and Watford is not a complaint. Winning is the most important part of football and we will take victories any way they come.

Chelsea Analysis – Conte Improves Chelsea

These wins show that Chelsea have returned from a shorter pre-season in great shape and with an added drive and desire that may have been lacking last season.

The mentality and fitness of the squad to turn the games around in the last ten minutes that should leave Chelsea fans feeling positive. Last season things would probably have gone differently with a possible return of only one or two points due to the funk we were in.

A lot has been made that Conte improves Chelsea tactically and so far this is borne out by the success of substitutions. New arrival Michy Batshuayi may not have started a game for Chelsea yet but he has a goal and an assist to his name.

Bringing on a striker when chasing may not be an original idea the changes he has made have made an impact. Particularly in the Watford game where we had only had one shot on target before the first sub was made on 71 minutes.

 

Unfortunately conceding in both games shows that there is still work to do, Conte may have drilled the players well but the leaks are only partially fixed.

On paper we are ok defensively, but last season suggests we are not with support needed for an aging John Terry and a low on confidence Gary Cahill.

There are rumours that Conte is frantically trying to convince the owners to solidify the defence with new signings, but the process is taking time.

In the meantime, the defence looks better but there are still shortcomings that need to be addressed at Cobham or in the transfer market.

On limited evidence, Conte improves Chelsea but we look forward to seeing how he keeps the good start going.