Two games in. What's your view on Benitez's Chelsea so far?
We are now two games into Rafa Benitez's Chelsea reign and I just wanted to try and get as many views from Chelsea fans all over the ...
https://www.chelseadaft.org/2012/11/two-games-in-whats-your-view-on.html
We are now two games into Rafa Benitez's Chelsea reign and I just wanted to try and get as many views from Chelsea fans all over the world as possible on your opinions on how Chelsea have looked so far.
Two 0-0 draws against Manchester City and Fulham and at the full time whistle, a chorus of boos rang around Stamford Bridge. Do you agree with them?
Let's have a look at how we lined up for both games:
Manchester City:
Fulham:
It's interesting to see that Rafa has kept the same formation and team shape after seeing just how exposed we have left ourselves in recent weeks before his appointment. In saying that, it's obvious that he has gone in and worked on our defensive shape and solidity and we have seen early signs of that over the past three days.
For me, David Luiz isn't taking as many risks again and sticks to his position. Ivanovic is playing alot closer to Luiz and both full backs are tucking inside to close down any space in behind our back line.
Cesar Azpilicueta has to start each game now as he has shown solidity at the back by winning tackles, stepping in front of his attacker, winning the ball back and also just how useful he can be going forward.
Looking at the positives here, we have given ourselves a solid base to build on. Two clean sheets in a row after having not kept one for ten games is an obvious improvement.
The problem we have at the moment is that it seems that we have worked so much on our defensive shape that we are lacking in attacking areas. Having just four shots on target in two games isn't good enough for a side that should be winning games to make a challenge for the Premier League.
From watching both games I have made the following observations and just wondered what you people think of them and if you agree:
- Fernando Torres is still playing too deep. He needs to play pushed up right onto the shoulder of the last defender.
- At last we are looking to try and get the ball into Torres earlier than we have done as we look for his initial movement when we make his run. Problem is as above, he isn't pushed up high enough.
- Very noticeable that Juan Mata was deployed out wide right against Manchester City and for the most part, wasn't allowed to drift inside. Mata can be the man to unlock the door from deep and play the type of through balls Torres needs to run onto. Do not want to see Mata stuck out wide.
- Against City, we did sit too deep in our own half and allowed City to come onto us. I know we are trying to close any space down in between the lines of our back four and two holding midfielders but we should press slightly higher as a unit to break up possession and start our counter attacks.
- Like I have said, We have been very rigid in our formation. We have seen hardly any freedom of movement from Hazard, Oscar and Mata together as we have under Di Matteo. Rafa needs to allow these three to express themselves more.
- Our set pieces have been woeful and disappointing.
We have a solid base at last, now it's time to build on that because going forward, we have been woeful!.
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Carefree & KTBFFH!
the difference between a good student and a genius, is that the latter uses its own initiative. There were times when our mid-fielders have the chance to take matters ito their own hands by aiming the goal instead they aim for torres. Having clean sheets is good improvement. The fluidity between mata,oscar and hazard is wearing off.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is trying to make a formation fit Torres his been awful especially his first touch I don't like sturrige but he is able to shake diffences n get some shots ,funny under matteo our midfield was a joy to watch but now seems our base is becoming to diffensive......back to square one.......wish luiz takes mikels s position ,the truth matteo din get time to create a balance Btwn attack n defence......
ReplyDeleteMazaCar should show their fluidity and cause defenders problems and not fallinng back deep like that now. The free role afforded them should still be allowed to flourish as they confuse defenders and give Torres the killer passes. Torres should for no reason fall back to defend or play as a playmaker or linkup play but as a pointman. Rafa has succeeded in one ie defence now is time to step up the midfield and sharpen the attack. Torres is rejuvenating and rehabilitating and with time he will be a fearsome striker like Torres of old
ReplyDeleteDreamer! Keep on dreaming... Torres is finished @ chelsea nd d fat spanish waiter (beniful) has nothing to offer. We want our chelsea back!
ReplyDelete