Chelsea’s title challenge will hinge on N’Golo Kante
At one point in the first half four Swansea players surrounded N’Golo Kante. Generally, in such a situation, one would believe Kante was marking one of those four. But Kante was marking all four simultaneously, effectively taking out almost half of the Swansea team during the Swans’ attack.
Per his usual, Kante was everywhere in the first half. He single-handedly denied Swansea any pressure on the defense, and he often turned interceptions into immediate counter attacks.
Kante faded in the second half as he was marked more closely by Leroy Fer. Without Kante being able to influence the game, the Swans surged more and more until they eventually scored their two goals.
Swansea’s adjustment showed that they understand Kante’s importance to Chelsea. All of Chelsea’s tactics so far have relied on him, and as soon as he was removed from the game Chelsea began to struggle.
If Kante gets injured or suffers a drop in form, Chelsea would fall right along with him. Antonio Conte must adapt his strategy to keep Kante free to control the midfield if Chelsea are to challenge for the title. If opposing managers figure out how to take Kante out of the game, Chelsea will suffer throughout the season as they did in the second half.
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