Chelsea: Three things to look for in increasingly must win matches

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Chelsea’s German head coach Thomas Tuchel looks on during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge in London on November 28, 2021. – RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by BEN STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images) /

3. What other solutions will there be?

Perhaps the closest Tuchel has been able to get to his plans for this season was earlier in the year when the team was trying out a 3-5-2/3-4-1-2 formation. Lukaku and Werner lined up together with the midfield behind them. That idea was used only briefly before injuries forced a return to 3-4-3. Since then, 3-4-3 has reigned supreme.

3-4-3 won Chelsea the Champions League and, years ago, their last Premier League. It works for the Blues. Or, at least it did. Under Antonio Conte, the 3-4-3’s usefulness waned and waned until Conte was in a place he couldn’t escape from. Tuchel’s 3-4-3 is looking to have waned as well with the advantages it once yielded being turned into weaknesses.

Whereas before the wide centerbacks would choose their moments to push up in support, it is increasingly common for them to push up and leave the last centerback all alone against counters. Maybe this is why the Blues are creating more chances as of late, but it is also certainly why the last clean sheet was against Juventus.

Tuchel has stuck by 3-4-3 in this entire period, often having to shift players out of position to cover for the injuries. It’s not really worked. At some point, the injuries can’t be used as the excuse anymore and something else is going to have to change, even if only temporarily to work around injuries and confuse opponents.

Ironically, four at the back could provide more defensive security given the current state of Chelsea leaving one defender behind for the counter. Four at the back would surely convince at least two to stay there which could buy the Blues the time they need to get back. The midfield has been held together by dreams and bubble gum, but a three man midfield could incorporate the likes of Mason Mount and others more easily without sacrificing too much.

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And that’s largely where Tuchel’s decision making is at right now. Weather the storm with what has gotten the team this far or change ships and hope the new one finds its way out. But again, if the results don’t start to get there, these choices may be made for him like they have been for managers of the past.

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