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4 points of concern following Chelsea’s drubbing of Burnley

By Michael DeVito

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: James Tarkowski of Burnley battles for possession with Kai Havertz of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Burnley and Chelsea at Turf Moor on October 31, 2020 in Burnley, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: James Tarkowski of Burnley battles for possession with Kai Havertz of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Burnley and Chelsea at Turf Moor on October 31, 2020 in Burnley, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images) /
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Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner (L) is challenged by Brighton’s Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on September 14, 2020. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea’s German striker Timo Werner (L) is challenged by Brighton’s Australian goalkeeper Mathew Ryan during the English Premier League football match between Brighton and Hove Albion and Chelsea at the American Express Community Stadium in Brighton, southern England on September 14, 2020. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

4. Chelsea’s missed opportunities

One of the pet peeves of many Chelsea fans is the team often seeks to find that one last perfect pass when the option to shoot is better. A wonderful pass and easy finish is a joy to behold, but a long shot through traffic or after a deflection counts equally as much on the scoreboard. Ziyech’s beautiful thread to Werner—resulting in his most recent goal—is a good example of when the pass makes sense. Too often though, Chelsea passes up the shooting opportunity for a pass on a less than perfect angle or maybe at distance. When the ball is at the feet of a scorer, that shot should be taken.

Obviously, there are players in the team who are less than marksmen shooting the ball. Kante, Jorginho, Kovacic and even James should almost always forget about a shot. For them, the pass in nearly any situation makes perfect sense since the ball is unlikely to go anywhere near the goal in any event. However, when these men to manage a shot on target, it’s usually spectacular. Regardless, when Werner and the other forwards have the opportunity, they should take the chance, seize the moment and send the ball goalward. Good things often stem from nothing in football.

In conclusion…

These are several concerns that the club will hopefully be able to address successfully in the ensuing games. Of course, there was a lot to be happy about following the Burnley rout, and a few deserve mention to offset the concerns noted above:

The overall defensive effort at Turf Moor was excellent. The Blues have found their No. 1 keeper and have somehow created a corner sharpshooter in Kurt Zouma. Kante was his usual splendiferous self and even got shouts to be the Man of the Match. When he’s on, there is nobody better. Werner is rounding into top form—though he looked a bit tired today—demonstrating his lethal clinical finishing and showing why he will ultimately be a Golden Boot candidate. Havertz, Ziyech and Chilwell are clearly top of the table multi-role performers too.

Clear up the concerns and this club will have justifiable aspirations for competing for many titles. The talent absent perhaps one additional top flight central defender and maybe a back-up defensive central midfielder is there. The good news is, if this club can avoid major injuries, it is going to get better.

Next. Chelsea player ratings: Blues superstars crush Burnley. dark

What are some of the things you are concerned about despite the recent unbeaten streak? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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