Chelsea came out victorious in a difficult game. Brentford push the Blues to the limit and caused of sort of trouble. However, a wonder goal by Ben Chilwell was enough to pull the Blues ahead. However, it was Edouard Mendy and the defensive organization that got Chelsea the three points. Here are three lessons learnt:
1. Edouard Mendy is the Best Keeper in the world
This was a 10/10 performance from the Chelsea keeper as he was a brick wall on goal. From his reactions, and his positioning off the line, to his vision to move the ball fast enough to alleviate the defense; Eduard Mendy put a world class performance against Brentford. With that said, this is not the first time he does, and it won’t be the last.
Mendy is a world class keeper, and, at the moment, he is the best. The fact is, Mendy may be the reason why Chelsea win silverware this season. These performances are not rare for the Senegal international. He did it throughout last year’s Champion League Campaign, and he is doing it again.
Even if Chelsea fails to score many goals in difficult games this season, the Chelsea keeper will make sure not many are conceded. This formula will eventually lead to success for the Blues. Meanwhile, the rest of the world is drooling over Mohamed Salah’s “exquisite passes” and “fantastic shots”. At Chelsea, we will keep Mendy as the true unsung hero. The one that wins games for the team, even when the team struggles to do it itself.
2. There is a plan for Timo Werner
Once Romelu Lukaku came to Chelsea, there were questions about Timo Werner’s role at the club. However, tactically, there seems to be a plan. Werner has struggled with form and confidence for quite some time despite his high work ethic for the team. Nevertheless, that doesn’t turn to goals, which means Werner is failing at his job.
However, against Brentford, there a change to his movements and the way he operated throughout the game. Most of the game Werner dropped deep, almost to midfield, to either receive the ball and continue the play; or he would use the space available to him to make run. This tactic allowed the German international to utilize his strengths, rather than focus on his weakness. Werner got into good positions to score, and although he failed, there was a glimpse of hope.
At the very least, this new style may allow him to get more assists than goals. Against Brentford, Werner tried to set up Lukaku plenty of times to allow the Belgian to score. To be fair, they were close to succeeding. If the two strikers fine-tune their movements, the duo will be unstoppable. Until then, one can only hope the plan works.
3. Something changed about Romelu Lukaku
This isn’t the first game where Romelu Lukaku does close to nothing. Throughout the first few games, Lukaku played with his back against the goal and was productive, efficient, and scored. Now he is playing like any average striker would. This seems like a direct order from Thomas Tuchel as he would have ordered the striker to revert to it seeing his early success.
Whatever the case, this approach is not working. Lukaku, like any player, has certain strengths that need to be utilized. As of late, Lukaku has not done so. When playing with his back towards goal, he pins down defenders which disorganizes the backline; Allows teammates to take advantage of the open space; And even gives him space to shoot from close range. It is hard to understand why he is not doing so anymore.
Not scoring, or even taking part, will have a negative effect on the striker. Chelsea need Lukaku to be sharp this entire season. Any lack of confidence, or sharpness in front of goal will cost Chelsea valuable points. Therefore, it is time to get Lukaku to play the way it suits him the most.
What lessons did you learn from this match? Let us know in the comments and on Twitter!