Chelsea FC aims for a strong October after a shaky September
By Ben Croft
September was a month to forget for everyone involved at Chelsea FC. Saturday’s victory over Hull hopefully will be the catalyst for the Blues to have a strong October.
Antonio Conte’s side endured two defeats and one draw in the Premier League in September. Chelsea’s only victory came in the EFL Cup against Leicester. So how can the Chelsea boss and his players turn it around in October?
Conte tried a 3-4-3 system against Hull. Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Gary Cahill took up as centre-backs, with Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso as wing-backs. Although Hull were poor, Chelsea’s formation suited Conte’s chosen XI. They looked much more organised and solid defensively than in earlier games.
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The 3-4-3 is still very much a work in progress, but it may suit the Blues more than the 4-1-4-1 from the beginning of this season. Earning a clean sheet in the first match trying the new system will surely give the players confidence in themselves, the manager and the system.
Antonio Conte said the 3-4-3 keeps Chelsea more compact. The new formation alleviates the pressure on Willian and Eden Hazard to track back. With N’Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic reinforcing Chelsea’s still-weak backline, the forwards can stay in their natural position higher up the pitch.
October brings former boss Jose Mourinho and his Manchester United side to Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s two other league games are against Premier League champions Leicester at home and the in-form Southampton away. In between these fixtures Chelsea also continues their EFL Cup pursuit. The squad will travel across London to take on rivals West Ham in the EFL Cup fourth round.
The next four games are vital for Chelsea to not surrender any more ground to Manchester City and Tottenham, and to keep alive an opportunity for domestic silverware. These games will test the Blues. A run of wins will not only boost the team’s confidence but send a message to the league that Chelsea are a top-four contender.
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A settled formation, two weeks of the international break to train and John Terry’s return are all optimistic signs for Chelsea.
But who misses out when Terry is back? Gary Cahill has made some crucial errors so far this season, and is the likely fall-guy upon Terry’s return. However, Conte may keep Cahill in the line-up alongside Terry and Luiz, in order to restore Azpilicueta to right wing-back.
This would open competition between Azpilicueta and Victor Moses for that role. Azpilicueta has had a standout season and is an emerging leader. Moses has made the most of every opportunity so far this season, but is unlikely to displace Azpilicueta.
Cesc Fabregas and Branislav Ivanovic seem very much out of favour with Antonio Conte. Even when Cesc Fabregas is at his best, the new formation has little place for him. Conte prefers Matic, Kante and possibly even Oscar in defensive-midfield. Despite Fabregas’s ability to deliver passes to Diego Costa and Eden Hazard, he offers none of the defensive capabilities Conte expects.
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Diego Costa remains a discipline concern for the Blues. The striker is only one game away from a suspension after picking up four yellow cards in the first seven games. Given his current form, even a one-game suspension could be a huge loss. He has been incredibly sharp so far this season. But inevitably he will earn a booking and will watch the subsequent match from the sidelines.