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Chelsea: Three key clashes as fans return to Stamford Bridge for Leeds

By Travis Tyler

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Frank Lampard, Manager of Chelsea gives instructions during the FA Cup Third Round match between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on January 05, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 05: Frank Lampard, Manager of Chelsea gives instructions during the FA Cup Third Round match between Chelsea and Nottingham Forest at Stamford Bridge on January 05, 2020 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Shane Long of Southampton is fouled by Kurt Zouma of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 17, 2020 in London, 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 Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Shane Long of Southampton is fouled by Kurt Zouma of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on October 17, 2020 in London, 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 Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) /

2. Control versus chaos

One of the main reasons for Chelsea’s current run of form has been a new found control over games. Before, the Blues would play lights out from kick off to final whistle. While that seems great on paper, few games call for that level of intensity throughout. Furthermore, the faster the Blues tried to do everything, the sloppier it would get. Combine that with simply wearing themselves out and it is no wonder Chelsea struggled with counters or blew a lead to Southampton.

This winning run has been different. Chelsea still starts pretty aggressively, but almost as soon as they pull ahead they back off. Rather than push for more, they slow things down and force the opponent to chase them. One reason for this is to cause the opponent to overextend as they seek an equalizer but the main reason is to conserve energy. The Blues can make the opponent chase and wear themselves out before they turn it back on closer to the end of the match and pile on. It has practically been the case for every single match in this run of games.

Related Story. Chelsea talking tactics: Leeds will provide toughest test since Liverpool. light

Leeds will try to jeopardize that. Their high intensity style is relentless and nearly without end. They will not be worn out easily and it will become very important for Chelsea not to get sucked in. It is very easy for a team faced with an intense opponent to try get stuck in trying to match that intensity without even realizing it is happening. The Blues have the quality to come out ahead even if the match turns into chaos, but it has not been what has worked in recent months.

Chelsea will need to maintain control of a match against an opponent that seeks to send it into chaos. Not falling into that trap will go a long way in the Blues’ favor.

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