Chelsea put in a dire performance on Sunday as they struggled to a 0-0 draw against Arsenal. Some players were evidently feeling the pressure from the intra-squad competition.
Chelsea’s run of 4 consecutive victories came to an end on Sunday after a goalless draw against an Arsenal side who are down in the bottom half of the table. Apart from the performance of second half substitute, Tiemoue Bakayoko, there were few positives to take away from the game. But there was plenty to think about after the match.
Victor Moses’s form had deteriorated towards the end of last season due to lack of competition and fatigue. Davide Zappacosta was brought into the team by Antonio Conte to avoid such a scenario again. The Italian was impressive against Qarabag. He even scored a spectacular goal although it was meant to be a cross. He had a good cameo against Leicester City as well.
Moses returned to the side after being rested midweek. It seems the pressure had a bad effect on Moses’s performance on Sunday. He looked uncertain and gave away the ball on many occasions. His pass completion rate was less than 80%.
Captain Gary Cahill returned to the side against Arsenal after serving a 3 match suspension. As a result, Antonio Rudiger, who was impressive in his absence, had to make way. Rudiger was confident and positive going forward even though he lacks prior experience in English football.
Player Ratings: Starters struggled to be average against Arsenal
Despite playing midweek in the Champions League, Cahill was prone to error. It was very much evident as he often invited pressure by keeping the ball for so long without moving. Consequently, Chelsea’s defence looked shaky.
When given an opportunity, Andreas Christensen always looks calm and composed. Team rotation and a suspension for David Luiz means both Rudiger and Christensen will have chances to impress again. If Cahill cannot sort things out he will find himself back on the bench.
Cahill has always shut the mouth of his critics by performing on the field. It’s exactly what Chelsea needs from their captain. Moses was written off by almost everyone with regard to playing for Chelsea. However, he worked hard and become one of the most important players for the Blues last season. Both will need to rediscover that spark to keep their starting places.
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The impressive form of those on the bench ensures the ones in the line-up are on the edge. If they don’t perform, they know that in no time they will be the ones sitting on the bench. The competition, though, will only benefit the Blues moving forward this season.