Chelsea FC at West Bromwich Albion: Post-Match Reflections

Tactical Discipline
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher claimed that Fabregas lacks tactical discipline in the aftermath of Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat to Man City, and it is hard to argue with him. He is just behind Eden Hazard in terms of creativity, but as a central midfielder, he is also expected to fulfil his defensive responsibilities by protecting Ivanovic and Cahill down the right. This is one aspect of his game he has failed to master as he keeps getting drawn to the ball, leaving his area exposed.

Nemanja Matic was probably the best defensive midfielder in the EPL last season, but he hasn’t hit the ground running this season. And he didn’t fair an better on Sunday. He was caught ball-watching twice as Morrison scored both of his goals and his rash challenge inside the 18-yard box on the excellent McManaman (who was actually moving out of the box when he was caught by Matic) earned West Brom a penalty (which, thankfully, was saved by Courtois!)

He was even fortunate not have gotten sent off after he caught Rondon in the face with his elbow when already on a booking. But on Sunday, there was one player whom both Fabregas and Matic may learn a thing or 2 from about tactical discipline… Kurt Zouma. He was clearly mandated by Mourinho to man mark Rondon and he carried it out with his typical aplomb. Zouma was all over the West Brom frontman, especially after Terry was sent off, and rarely strayed too far away from him.

Unlike the first 2 games where Gomis and Aguero had easy one-on-one chances to score, his perfect positioning, aerial ability and recovery pace made it difficult for Rondon to capitalise on the long balls West Brom tried to play to him.

Terry’s red card guarantees that Zouma will start Chelsea’s next three games (if Stones doesn’t join before the window closes), but on evidence of Sunday’s performance, he may have played himself into contention, red card or not!

Next: Thibaut Courtois