Chelsea may still be able to get the results, but the Blues’ inability to keep clean sheets is a worry ahead of a packed 2017/18 season.
Chelsea eased past Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon, restoring their commanding seven point lead atop the Premier League table. However, amongst the euphoria, a particular concern continues to linger. The Blues conceded against the Cherries, meaning that they haven’t kept a clean sheet in the last nine league games.
The last time Chelsea’s opposition drew a blank was back on January 22nd, when Hull City failed to hit the back of the net in a 2-0 defeat. This record will certainly be worrying Antonio Conte as he draws together plans for next season.
Interestingly, the Blues still have the third meanest defence in the league. Tottenham have been most frugal, conceding only 22 goals. Manchester United are next with 24. Chelsea have picked the ball out of their own net 25 times.
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However, the fact that 10 of these goals have come in the last nine games is a concern. The Premier League does not possess the same quality as rival European leagues. The fact that the Blues are consistently conceding against blunt attacks does not bode well.
Next season, Chelsea will be taking on the finest European talents in the Champions League. Teams in which attacking threats come via multiple players, not just one person who can be shut down by N’Golo Kante.
If the Blues are allowing the likes of Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Swansea City and Burnley to get shots on target, the damage Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG could do is unfathomable.
Hence, Conte will need to reinforce the defence over the summer. Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Cesar Azpilicueta have done well enough against Premier League opposition. European football is a couple of steps higher, though.
Victor Moses and Marcos Alonso will also have their work cut out. Kante, meanwhile, has not yet been tested against superior teams. Whether the Frenchman will be able to up his game in a 60-match season is debatable.
While the Blues should rightly be focused on closing out this campaign, Conte and the board should have half an eye on the summer. If Chelsea don’t do business early, panic may set in as the new campaign approaches. Then, the dreaded panic buying occurs. Both Luiz and Alonso could have been regarded as panic buys. Yes, they have eventually turned out to be assets this term, but many are doubting their long-term value.
Conte may be publicly stating that he is very much embroiled in the now, but the Italian is shrewd enough to recognise potential problems. Hopefully, the Blues will be decisive come July.