Chelsea’s four strengths and four weaknesses on the pitch according to football data site
What is Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea? That is what many of us are still trying to work out!
In fact, Alonso himself is probably trying to figure out this Chelsea team. At times, they can look sensational.
However, as we all saw in the 3-0 defeat to Brentford just before the international break, there are also occasions when this side can look absolutely dreadful. In general, the Blues have been very poor defensively this season.
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Some of the individual defending from players in the backline has not been up to scratch, while there is clearly a structural problem with the whole Chelsea team. They are conceding far too many goals for everything to be pinned on individuals.
Over this international break, though, WhoScored has given a very balanced view of this Chelsea side, listing both their strengths and weaknesses based on statistics. In terms of strengths, Chelsea’s are the following:
- Counter attacks
- Finishing scoring chances
- Attacking set pieces
- Stealing the ball from the opposition
It is not a surprise to hear that counter-attacking and finishing have been strengths for Chelsea this season. Going forward, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers have been devastating.
The weaknesses WhoScored has identified are not a shock either and are as follows:
- Defending set pieces
- Avoiding individual errors
- Defending counter attacks
- Protecting the lead
As already mentioned, the individual defending from some players has been appalling and no doubt contributed to the 12 goals Chelsea have conceded in the Premier League this term. No one has conceded on more occasions in the current top-flight campaign.
Chelsea signed Maxence Lacroix and Emiliano Martinez to help them improve defensively, but they are still settling. Lacroix shone for France in their win over Belgium on Monday night, but he has blown hot and cold since arriving at Stamford Bridge.
Martinez has not fully convinced yet either, but both men are quality Premier League players who should still come good in blue.
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