Chelsea’s wasted opportunities more concerning than second-place finish
Chelsea fumbled some opportunities to secure top spot in their Champions League group. However, it is their wastefulness that will concern Antonio Conte.
Chelsea were held by a disappointing Atletico Madrid team on Tuesday evening in a 1-1 draw. Given AS Roma’s inevitable victory over Qarabag, the Blues needed three points to finish at the top of the group. That would have (theoretically) given them an easier draw in the next round.
However, Chelsea were wasteful in an unexpectedly nondescript contest. Numerous opportunities to score were ruined either during the immediate build-up play or right in front of goal. While ending up in second is not ideal, Antonio Conte will likely be more concerned by the poor finishing on display.
Speaking ahead of the Atletico game, Pedro claimed Chelsea could go all the way. If the Blues are to lift the trophy, they need to be much more clinical.
When they come up against teams like Bayern Munich and PSG, Chelsea will have to be at the top of their game. They drew against a poor Atletico Madrid team on Tuesday. A team poor enough to drop down to the Europa League.
Several counter-attacks in the second half were broken down by awful passes and decisions. Then, a few chances in front of goal were squandered. A similar performance in the knock-out stages will bring an end to Chelsea’s European campaign.
Having said that, there is little reason to press the panic button. The Blues have been on a decent run as of late and this performance was slightly subpar. The club had already secured their qualification and this could have played on their minds.
Nevertheless, Conte will be frustrated. Chelsea simply cannot afford any more lapses in concentration. In the Premier League, they already find themselves 11 points behind Manchester City. Any further slip-ups will drop them into a battle for the Champions League qualification spots.
This match should be taken as a wake-up call to the Blues. Yes, they have impressed in recent weeks, but that doesn’t matter. Their poor early season form means that the impressive run must be extended well into the New Year.
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