Chelsea settled for a 0-0 draw from their trip to Old Trafford. It was far from perfect, but important lessons were learned against Manchester United.
It was an underwhelming clash where neither team deserved to win, but Chelsea was the happier of the two teams due to new discoveries, and great performances to build upon. Here are the three lessons learnt from the match against Manchester United:
1. The perfect formation does exist
The perfect formation does exist, especially from the defensive point of view. Frank Lampard understood this was a game he could not lose. Therefore, he settled for his three strongest and most reliable defenders at the back. As their back-up, two wingbacks that have the stamina to support both the defense and the attack. This kept Manchester United quiet for most of the game. Yes, United had a couple of chances where they could (should) have scored, but the fact that they didn’t says more about Chelsea’s defensive abilities than United lack of attacking power.
This formation, with these players, gave everyone more freedom to utilize their unique abilities. In terms of the back three, there was never any doubt or concerns. Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, and Kurt Zouma were formidable. Even when United seemed to have created a chance to score, Chelsea’s back three closed the spaces, marked their man, and cleared the ball without hesitation.
The midfield and attack needed some fine-tuning, but it is close to being effective. With this formation, the midfield and the attack were very efficient and productive. With the assistance of the wingbacks, Chelsea was able to maintain possession of the ball, while creating an attacking build-up. Although the Blues failed to capitalize on counter-attacking opportunities, or even inside-the-box opportunities, the chances were there. And against an opposition such as United, while experimenting with the new signings, this is not bad.
After this game, it is safe to say that Frank Lampard can utilize this as a his main formation to keep clean sheets. All he has to do now is sharpen the attack into a ruthless goal-scoring machine.
2. Kante needs help in the midfield
Watching N’Golo Kante struggle is difficult. Not just because he is such a hardworking, and lovable guy, but mostly because he seems overwhelmed by the amount of effort he has to put in the midfield. Throughout the game, and even in previous matches, Kante making bad passes and hardly getting into a good defensive position hints at signs that he is doing too much. First, Kante has to press high in order to retrieve the ball; Second, he needs be in a defensive position in order to provide back-up for the backline. Lastly, he is required to provide assistance to the other holding midfielder, in case of a missed tackle, or an uncovered space.
Against Manchester United, his partner was Jorginho, who, to be fair, played well. However, he did not help Kante in any way. Too often Kante has to shift from pressing horizontally, to retrieving the ball vertically. This, of course, caused him to misplace passes, leaving open spaces, and no pressing quickly enough.
Now, this was not Jorginho’s fault necessarily. Rather it was a management issue, where another player should have been in that role. Kante was overly starched having work all around the pitch. Therefore, it is unfair to criticize him for not putting his best performance. Maybe next time, he will receive the help he needs, and the midfield will solidify.
3. Eduard Mendy is the real deal
Let’s be honest, Chelsea’s new keeper was outstanding. It may have been the occasion. It may be that expectation are low. Or, it may be that he put a great performance. Manchester United had two clear chances at scoring, and at least three other possible opportunities. These were all stopped by Mendy without hesitation.
Mendy’s two best saves were against Marcus Rashford and Juan Mata. Marcus Rashford has a break-away on the right where he was on a clear one-on-one and was forced to shoot early. And, despite the odds, Mendy pulled an outstanding safe by stretching himself. The second safe came from Juan Mata’s long rage shot. This could have ended in a goal with anyone else between the posts. But Mendy positioned, and threw himself far enough to make a diving safe that was goal bound.
Mendy was key to Chelsea’s organization at the back. He read the opposition’s play in order to intercept the crosses; He was ready to receive the ball at all time from back passes; And, more importantly, he was in command of any balls that came his way. His positioning at the goal line, as well as within his area were phenomenal, which allowed Chelsea’s backline to play with freedom and security.
What lessons did you learn from this one? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!