Chelsea slumped to a shock 2-1 loss at St James’ Park yesterday, but what were the causes, and what can José Mourinho do about them?
1) Lack of width
Chelsea were unable to create many chances going forward because they seriously lacked width to stretch the Newcastle defence. In fact the Blues created more in the last ten minutes when they started hoofing the ball up to Didier Drogba and John Terry late on. More width is needed in the side to create space for Eden Hazard and Diego Costa up front.
Solution:
Azpilicueta doesn’t create width on the left because he’s playing on his wrong foot, and Ivanovic get’s forward down the right but is a poor crosser. Playing Filipe Luis at left-back against teams like Sunderland which are going to sit deep would create a lot more width for the side.
Willian also cuts inside every time he gets. The ball. A genuine wide-man like Juan Cuadrado would be an excellent addition to the side.
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2) Lack of Nemanja Matic
Without Matic, Chelsea were vulnerable in defence, but also too slow in transition. Jon Obi Mikel is too cautious in possession, and sits much deeper than Matic when holding, meaning that when Chelsea did win the ball back, they were in their own half and Newcastle were able to press forward and relive the pressure.
Solution:
Matic will return from suspension next week, and won’t have to worry about winning his spot back from Mikel. In the future, when Matic is out, Chelsea should consider playing a 4-3-3 with Ramires, Mikel and Fabregas as a trio.
3) Poor performance from Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas got an assist from a set piece, but apart from that put in his worst performance of the season. This can partly be blamed on Mikel, who didn’t do enough to create space for his midfield partner, but Fabregas looked tired.
Solution:
Fabregas needs to be rested, and Mourinho must start rotating his side if he wants to get the best out of them. The problem is that there are no real alternatives for Fabregas in the squad. Oscar might be able to do a job a bit deeper, but Chelsea may have to look to the transfer market or to the youth team for an alternative.
4) Defensive errors
Gary Cahill and John Terry have been imperious all season, but against teams which sit deep and draw Chelsea out, the pair look vulnerable. Gary Cahill let the ball through his legs for the first goal, and Terry won’t be happy with the overall performance.
Solution:
It’s too early to call for Kurt Zouma to replace either of the centre-backs, who have been superb for three seasons now, but there is clearly some coaching needed for when the team is setting up against sides that sit deep and try to hit the Blues on the break – which is most sides by this point.
5) Tiredness
Jose Mourinho said this week that he wasn’t rotating because he “knew” when the players needed a rest. He was wrong. The side’s performances are declining as the season goes on and the players get more tired.
Solution:
Mourinho urgently needs to start using his squad more. Players like Andre Schurrle may be out of form, but they won’t even play their way back into it unless they are given the chance. Mourinho must either use his squad players or sell them for ones he considers worthy of starting for his team.