Chelsea: Four players Conte should bench until performances turnaround
By Hugo Amaya
Chelsea failed to take three points from Arsenal, and some key players are to blame. Antonio Conte cannot afford to play favorites – he must sideline these players until their performance and desire returns.
With a disappointing draw on Wednesday night Chelsea dropped points against Arsenal. While it was a thrilling match from the neutral point of view, Chelsea fans were left with a bitter taste. Antonio Conte’s men were poorly organized and lacked drive throughout the first half.
To make matters worse, some players were almost absent on the pitch, while others cost the match for the Blues. Do those players deserve their ongoing place in the starting XI, or is Conte within his rights to make them earn their place back?
Victor Moses: Where is the Moses we once knew?
The right wing-back played a crucial part in last year’s title winning run. However, this year he seems to have lost flair and consistency. Moses was never a worry for the Arsenal defense or offense. He chose not to take players on and was often caught off position.
The Nigerian’s form has stagnated in the past few games and fans are starting to worry. Moses has also lost his drive to thrust forward, which once contributed to Chelsea being so deadly. Instead, he has become a full-liability on the pitch.
Tiemoue Bakayoko: Proving his critics right
The defensive midfielder was the best attacking player in the middle of the park for the Blues, which is saying a lot. However, he abandoned his defensive duties too often and left far too many gaps for the opposition to exploit.
Once he returned to his position, he failed to properly mark Arsenal’s offensive players. Furthermore, his passing was never a threat for the opposition as he often chose the wrong option, rather than help build the attack.
Eden Hazard: No one is exempt
Yes, Eden Hazard. Although the Belgium international was responsible for Chelsea tying the game through a penalty, Hazard seemed slow and predictable. The Arsenal defense was coping with his movements and nullified any real threat. He also lacked the forward-thinking mentality that brings fear to defenders.
Eden Hazard is arguably Chelsea’s best player, but in games like these he needs to show his brilliance.
Alvaro Morata: Three one-on-one flubs are three too many
Where to begin? Morata had, not one, not two, but three chances one-on-one against the keeper. No pressure from defenders. An almost open goal each time. Yet missed them all.
Although Morata is Chelsea’s top scorer this season, his recent showings have given the fans something new to worry about. If that wasn’t enough, his movement with the ball was dreadful. It would come as a big surprise to many if he starts the next two matches.
Next: Tiemoue Bakayoko paid the price for shuffling the 3-5-2's midfield
Chelsea play against Norwich City in the FA Cup this Saturday, and Antonio Conte needs to do something to improve the team. While he may not sideline all of the players mentioned, he has to take decisive action to spark this team into being winners again.