Structural Issues Plague Maresca’s Chelsea as Defensive Frailties Persist
Chelsea's persistent defensive errors, including frequent penalties conceded, highlight structural and tactical issues under Enzo Maresca, jeopardising their top-four ambitions.
Original Source
The Athletic
Written by
Craig 'Tosh' McKinnon
Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth showcased a recurring issue: their vulnerability to defensive lapses and penalties. Moisés Caicedo’s foul on Antoine Semenyo marked the sixth penalty Chelsea have conceded this season, second only to Wolves in the league. These moments often stem from a mix of individual errors and systemic flaws. Despite bright first-half performances, Chelsea struggle to adapt tactically and maintain structure after setbacks, evidenced by their seven dropped points from winning positions in recent games. Maresca must address these weaknesses while managing a young squad’s development and maintaining their top-four trajectory.
- Frequent Penalty Concessions: Chelsea’s six penalties conceded this season often result from a blend of individual mistakes and tactical vulnerabilities, reflecting broader defensive issues.
- Second-Half Struggles: The team frequently loses composure and structural integrity after halftime, dropping points in matches they initially control.
- Systemic Weakness: The team's issues stem not just from individual errors but also from tactical rigidity and inconsistent energy levels in second halves.
- Dependency on Key Players: The reliance on players like Reece James and Romeo Lavia is evident, but their absences or errors disrupt the team’s balance significantly.
- Top-Four Challenge: Despite the promise of a young squad, Chelsea’s recent form underscores the difficulty of securing a Champions League spot amidst their ongoing growing pains.
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Justin Tallis/AFP via Getty Images
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.
