There weren’t many positive remarks made about Chelsea following its recent Premier League bouts with both Everton and Wolves. Whether it be about the league’s decision not to cancel the games, Thomas Tuchel’s team selection or the performances as a whole, there was a lot of negativity surrounding the two dull draws. However, the Blues’ fans seemingly have to take what they can get when it comes to positives in the month of December. Chelsea has struggled during this particular month for years. Factor in the unpredictability of the newest COVID-19 outbreak and the powers that be have cooked up a recipe for disaster in SW6.
A lot has been made about the contests as a whole, as well as Tuchel’s decision making during the run. The gaffer has undoubtedly made a handful of mistakes—playing Saul up top being the most puzzling—but there hasn’t been a lot of talk about the issues he has addressed. The German has identified the team’s core issue at this moment in time and seemingly turned back the clock to the moment he took charge at Stamford Bridge. The Blues have been more solid defensively in their last two games and that’s something to get excited about going forward.
Chelsea has looked improved defensively over the last two league matches
The elephant in the room is the fact that Chelsea played against a depleted Everton and woeful Wolves (in an attacking sense) in those two games. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember that the Blues can only take on the team that is put in front of them at any moment in time. The reality is they let in goals for fun in weeks past—seeing squads such as Zenit put three into the back of the net and Leeds score more than once—so any defensive proficiency was welcomed.
Chelsea didn’t keep a clean sheet at home against the Toffees, but it looked competent at the back once again. Everton’s only goal came from a sloppily conceded free kick when a number of Blues missed their marks. The visitors seldom had chances going forward in open play as the three-man defense for Chelsea managed to regain a bit of confidence through its excellent positioning. Antonio Rudiger didn’t venture into the opposing box and Thiago Silva wasn’t left alone on an island during counters. Nor was Jorginho put under the immense pressure of being the last line of defense should the ball get played out from a set piece.
There was organization and that is something to celebrate considering the absence of the trait recently. Rome wasn’t built in a day. Despite the Blues’ defensive excellence prior to this poor run of form, the back line has been the biggest issue as of late. Baby steps must be taken and the small victories should be celebrated on the road back to continued clean sheets.
Chelsea was rewarded for its efforts against Everton in the following match. The Blues finally achieved the one thing at Molineux that has eluded them for weeks: a clean sheet. Wolves is a terrible attacking team as they’ve only scored 13 goals all season in 18 Premier League matches, but it’s a step in the right direction regardless. Chelsea’s back three looked composed for nearly the entire match. The offside goal scored by the hosts was the only real moment of concern as both sides failed to take their chances throughout. Finally though, after seven matches, the Blues could be back on track once and for all.
It is also worth noting that the second half of the Wolves game saw a revitalized Chelsea side take the pitch. The Blues often lack the drive, desire and spirit required to get results when their form dips in the winter. The most notable example was their sleep walking through a loss to a terrible Arsenal team under Frank Lampard last year. However, the XI on the pitch for the final 45 at Molineux laced up their boots and took the game to Wolves. There were no excuses from any of the players—they didn’t want one—they were trying to defy the odds pinned against them. The on-field product of the makeshift XI and the result of the match was ugly, but the effort put in by the Blues was something supporters could be proud of at full-time.
The results are still not where they need to be at the moment if Chelsea wants to remain in the title race deep into the season. In any case, the positive signs are there for those willing to open their eyes to them.
What do you make of the Blues’ defensive adjustments? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!