Chelsea FC vs Southampton FC: Post-Match Reflections…

Attack vs Counter-Attack

Credit: CFC Unofficial https://www.flickr.com/photos/cfcunofficial/16182580003/

I have complained on several occasions about Chelsea FC’s inability to take advantage of counter-attacks, a situation caused by Mourinho’s defensive tactics in recent games. I had also talked about Costa’s inability to play the target-man role forced on him by Mourinho. The game on Saturday showed clearly that Mourinho’s recent tactics played a major role in Chelsea’s recent struggles in front of goal.

Costa was a massive threat inside the box every time Chelsea made forrays into the opposition’s final third as he thrived without having to deal with the added expectations of contributing to play. His ability to find spaces inside the 18-yard box is his major strength, and he used it to good effect with his goal.

He took 6 shots in total (3 more than he had managed in any other game this year apart from the 5-0 victory against Swansea), all inside the box, and was prevented from adding to his tally by the woodwork and an impressive block from Fonte.

Oscar is another player that has struggled since Mourinho reverted to his recent defensive, counter-attacking tactics. His performances have been lethargic since the turn of the year, but with the team reverting back to the style that saw them go on a impressive winning streak early in the season in the second half, Oscar started to grow in confidence and influence the game and should have scored twice but for some poor finishing.

Even Hazard benefitted from the support he received from his team mates as he was a real threat in the final third, creating 3 clear-cut chances which were unfortunately not converted.

The change in tempo was largely due to the introduction of Ramires, who by nature is always ready for a challenge and is not content to sit back and watch proceedings. He kept hassling Wanyama and Schneiderlin, forcing them to make errors in midfield and, almost single-handedly took control of the midfield as Fabregas offered little support. This allowed Hazard, Willian and Oscar to focus fully their attacking duties, evidenced by the 17 shots (6 on target) the team managed in the second half alone.

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