Chelsea continued their perfect start this weekend, and now turn to other competitions. The Blues have plenty to take away from the win as they start the next chapter of the season.
Chelsea go into their first Europa League match on the back of a 4-1 victory over Cardiff City on Saturday. Although the team conceded early in the game, the squad put in a powerful performance to take the Premier League lead. Here are three things we learned from the win.
1. Chelsea can fight and come back
To many watching the game it was very concerning to be one goal down in the 16′. Cardiff City set out with a plan to press high and make Chelsea uncomfortable. In the first half their tactics were effective to some degree. Cardiff made it difficult for the Blues to play out from the back and to fully create a cohesive attack.
This was especially frustrating because not even Arsenal made it so laborious for Chelsea to function. Until, of course, the Blues found the solution to their problem and exploited the opposition’s high press. This allowed Eden Hazard to score Chelsea’s first goal en route to a complete demolition of Cardiff City.
Importantly, Maurizio Sarri’s men kept to the plan and never panicked or fell under frustration. Instead they passed the ball with organization and precision. They never rushed the play, patiently waiting for the right opportunity to execute and attack. This type of mentality and calmness will be needed throughout the season as there will be far more vexing games for the Blues.
2. Olivier Giroud’s selflessness distinguishes him from Alvaro Morata
Olivier Giroud was arguably the most selfless player in the field for Chelsea against Cardiff. Despite being the only striker for the home side, he almost never sought to score himself. He was more focused on assisting Eden Hazard. Doing all the hard work of holding the defenders and making sure to return the ball with a first-time pass or a lay-off, the Frenchman grabbed two assists and proved his worth to Maurizio Sarri.
This aspect, for this specific game, worked out well enough for the Blues to get four goals. However, the same tactic may not work for other opponents. That’s where a more selfish striker like Alvaro Morata would come in to try to get on the score sheet.
Eden Hazard surely appreciated Giroud’s performance, as the Belgian bagged a hat-trick against Cardiff. More importantly, Giroud showed he is more than just a striker and a late goal grabber. This is something that will be much needed this season with all the changes the team is still undergoing.
3. Eden Hazard has improved dramatically
Obviously, scoring a hat-trick so early in the season is a statement of intent from Eden Hazard to everyone in the Premier League, and around the world. And it should be. Hazard had a fantastic World Cup and has kept the same level to this day. Unlike last season, where he was not his usual hazardous self, the Belgian captain already has five goals and two assists to his name.
However, his game has become much more complete – it’s no longer “just” scoring and assisting. Hazard has been the one to start attacking plays from the middle of the park and to finish them himself. He has played on the left wing and completely terrified defenders. Hazard makes the correct passes and keeps a deadly play alive by providing through-balls for the forward and other winger.
His focus on keeping possession and dictating the attack of the team have finally taken him to the next level.
Although it is difficult to keep these type of performances throughout the season, Maurizio Sarri’s system will enable Hazard to keep providing the goods for the team one way or another. This will give him a big influence on the field, allowing other players to participate rather than just stare at him when on the ball.