Despite spending over £1.5bn under new ownership, Chelsea find themselves without a fit senior striker, struggling for goals and tactical solutions after a humbling 3-0 defeat to Brighton.
Chelsea's recent struggles in attack have exposed a glaring weakness in squad planning, despite an enormous financial outlay in the transfer market. With Nicolas Jackson sidelined for six weeks and Marc Guiu also injured, Enzo Maresca has been left without a recognised centre-forward. The decision to spend £445m on attackers—many of whom are wingers or playmakers—rather than an established number nine has backfired, leaving the team lacking a focal point in attack.
Against Brighton, Maresca attempted to adapt by deploying Cole Palmer as a false nine, but the tactic failed, with Chelsea failing to register a shot on target despite dominating possession. Injuries to Noni Madueke and Christopher Nkunku’s struggles have only worsened the situation, leaving Chelsea with limited attacking options. The pressure is now on Maresca to find a short-term fix while hoping Nkunku regains form or risk an unproductive end to the season.
