Are Chelsea's Marescaball Tactics Backfiring?

Liam Twomey’s analysis argues that Chelsea’s shift to a more controlled, possession-based style under Enzo Maresca is coinciding with a significant drop in their attacking efficiency.

Original Source
The Athletic
Written by
Craig 'Tosh' McKinnon
14 Feb
8:59
Analysis

The1905.Club Summary

In his detailed analysis, Liam Twomey contends that Chelsea’s transformation under Enzo Maresca—from a dynamic counter-attacking side to one overly focused on retaining possession—may be undermining their offensive output. While the team’s average possession has increased from 56.7% to 60.8% since December 15, the quality of their chances has diminished sharply, as reflected in a drop in expected goals on target (xGOT) from 2.22 to 1.67. Twomey suggests that this shift has led to a more cautious and error-prone approach, with the team now making costly mistakes in crucial moments. Although the defensive record has improved marginally, the lack of clinical finishing and the reduction in fast break effectiveness are fueling growing concerns among fans and pundits alike. Ultimately, the analysis questions whether Maresca’s insistence on a slower, more patient style is detrimental to Chelsea’s ambition, particularly when the margin for error has narrowed significantly.

Key Points

  • Increased Possession, Decreased Efficiency:
    • Chelsea’s possession rose from 56.7% to 60.8%, but their xGOT dropped from 2.22 to 1.67 in the last eight league games.
  • Tactical Shift:
    • Maresca’s focus on a controlled, possession-based game contrasts sharply with the earlier counter-attacking style that yielded more direct goalscoring opportunities.
  • Costly Errors:
    • The team’s frequency of mistakes leading to goals has risen from three errors in 16 games to one error in five of the last eight matches, further narrowing their margin for error.
  • Fan and Pundit Concerns:
    • Increasing criticism from supporters questions whether the “basketball” style of play is responsible for the current slump in Chelsea’s attacking threat.
  • Overall Impact:
    • While defensive metrics have slightly improved, the decline in offensive productivity could jeopardize Chelsea’s push for a top-four finish.
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    Written by 
    Craig 'Tosh' McKinnon
    Co-founder of The1905Club. A life long Chelsea fan and season ticket holder for over twenty years. Now residing in Poland, this doesn't stop Tosh from watching every minute of every game.
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