Chelsea: Opposite directions of Giroud and Kepa, and other lessons learned

3. Three at the back has to stay

Antonio Rüdiger’s unlucky own goal in the 89′ aside, Chelsea’s defence looked sturdy for large parts of the game. Cesar Azpilicueta’s introduction into the right side of a back three provided much-needed leadership and stability, qualities which have been missing in weeks prior. Saturday’s was the most reliable defensive outing Chelsea have put out since the 2-0 win away at Spurs, when Lampard experimented with a similar back line.

Furthermore, as was the case with Antonio Conte’s title winners over three years ago, Marcos Alonso and, now, Reece James were both exceptional as wing-backs.

On the right, Reece James combined well with Azpilicueta and Mason Mount, creating a trio which was both creative in attack and solid when on the backfoot. On the other flank, Alonso’s marauding runs into the final third would once again prove decisive.

Taking into account Chelsea’s lack of wide options with Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi both nowhere near a comeback from their respective injuries, the 3-4-2-1 could yet be a creative solution to Chelsea’s lack of incisiveness going forward. Both Mount and Barkley, deployed as false wingers, allowed an overload in the middle of the pitch when the duo played narrower with Alonso and James providing the necessary width in Chelsea’s game. When contrasted to Willian and Pedro’s disastrous outing last time out, the introduction of the 3-4-2-1 marked a vast improvement both defensively and offensively.

Tottenham’s players found themselves unable to play through the middle due to the midfield block, while balls out wide were dealt with easily by a combination of the centre backs and the wingbacks.

Frank Lampard should give the three-at-the-back formation a fair run out in light of Saturday’s positive display. Perhaps this could finally be the break Chelsea so desperately needs to solidify their grip on the top four.