Chelsea found solutions in new tactics and formations, not big spending
By Hugo Amaya
Chelsea may have found the correct tactics and formation for his attacking players while defeating Brighton. Antonio Conte did it without spending big on a handful of players, nor paying an inflated price for a superstar.
Although Brighton were struggling coming into their fixture against Chelsea, the Blues still turned around their recent form and won through their attack. Michy Batshuayi, Eden Hazard and Willian were the focus point during the game. And with some luck, (let’s thank the posts surrounding Willy Caballero), Antonio Conte’s men earned another clean sheet.
With Alvaro Morata suspended, Michy Batshuayi had the opportunity to shine and create chances. From the beginning his instructions were clear: Hold defenders while on the ball, make a pass and run into the box. This tactic proved very effective since Hazard and Willian were always available. Batshuayi played fantastic one-touch football with those around him and assisted that ridiculous second goal.
But that was not enough for Michy Batshuayi. He always looked to add himself to the score sheet. Given his performance across the full 90 minutes, he may have just proved to Antonio Conte he can get the job done.
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Eden Hazard, after a decent rest, played a vital part in this game. He opened the scoring after just a few minutes with a fantastic shot inside the box. Throughout the game, Hazard participated in almost every play going forward. He skipped past midfielders and defenders alike as if they were practice cones.
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Chelsea’s No. 10 was always in support of his countryman, Batshuayi. However, being the great player he is, one goal was not enough and he scored Chelsea’s third. With his trademark move of cutting inside from the left, he skipped past defenders and took a delicate shot. Hazard was fantastic and deserves man-of-the-match honors.
Finally, Willian was just as important when Chelsea were forming an attack. Despite Willian playing 120 minutes against Norwich, Conte decided he was still the best man for the job. Not only did he start and finish the second goal, Willian was pivotal for the Blues while attacking throughout the game.
More importantly, though, he supported the defense and covered a lot of ground. He supported Michy Batshuayi in many cases and provided an escape route for Hazard. The Brazilian also had the responsibility to track back on defense. His performance was outstanding and his role was critical in the win. His two-way play may have given Conte a solution to Chelsea’s shortages.
Despite all of this, however, Chelsea did not seem very convincing on the defense. Willy Caballero’s instinct and controlled chaos kept the clean sheet. But even so, the state of the squad is dangerous for the team. Nevertheless, someone of Conte’s stature and intelligence can figure out a solution.
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With the team’s shortage of goals being the main concern, Antonio Conte may have found a new working formation. And with it, the Blues could spark a much-needed winning streak starting with Arsenal in the EFL cup this week.