Chelsea put a very strong performance against Liverpool in the FA Cup. Although Liverpool’s game was not the strongest, it was still an accomplishment in many respects for the Blues. Here are three lessons we learned.
Chelsea showed the positive side of their inconsistency with a 2-0 win over Liverpool. The Blues became the third team to defeat Liverpool in the last two weeks, which means all the secrets are out now about the teams involved.
1. Billy Gilmour is ready
From the first minute to the last, Billy Gilmour was dominating everything and everyone. It is important for a youngster to not be scared when playing, but Gilmour was on a different planet. He outshone everyone, even Ross Barkley on one of his most impressive nights and Mateo Kovacic, who played to his usual level until injury forced him off just before halftime.
Gilmour’s passing and positioning allowed him to get control of the midfield. More importantly, his vision was second to none. He made every pass with purpose and conviction. Every time he lent the ball to a teammate, something important was happening – he either did it to retain possession and slow down the game, or to advance the play and push the team forward.
The youngster was not afraid to go in for the challenge. He tackled players twice his size, got the ball back or pressured the opposition until they lost the ball.
While most of the Chelsea midfield has a specialty, be that passing, retaining possession, or defending, Billy Gilmour showed that he has it all. Whatever Frank Lampard needs, the kid is ready to step up.
2. Kepa Arrizabalaga is back
It has been shocking that Frank Lampard would leave Kepa Arrizabalaga on the bench for so many games. But on Tuesday the goalkeeper showed that he is back and ready to perform. Arrizabalaga had an outstanding performance. He commanded the defense to prevent mistakes and made every stop possible. And, obviously, how can one forget that triple save from close range?
Kepa Arrizabalaga was commanding and assertive. He took action when he needed and hardly put a foot wrong. More importantly, he avoided any of his usual mistakes. Even the couple of times the defense let him down, the Chelsea keeper showed why he deserves to be No. 1 again.
Lampard’s tactic of leaving him out of the starting XI clearly worked. Arrizabalaga regained his confidence by working hard and acting decisively. It is safe to say that Chelsea can rely on him once more.
3. Marcos Alonso is the only choice for left-back
While Frank Lampard has choices in the full-back position, Marcos Alonso showed that he is the only choice for left back. The Spanish international had a great game once again. His tactical positioning allowed him to recover the ball quickly and help the attack just as fast. Despite not scoring himself, Alonso was involved in most of Chelsea’s attacks.
Although there were times where Chelsea looked exposed, Alonso was there to close down the opposition effectively and efficiently.
At this point, Alonso has shown that speed is not greater than tactical and technical ability. And now, surely, Lampard has every reason to keep him in the starting XI, whether that’s as a left back or a wingback.
Chelsea were on top of the game from start to finish. With good performances all around, one can only hope that the team can build on it and perform equally well for the rest of the season.