Chelsea’s defensive and set piece issues part two: The cause

Let’s take a look at the midfield. Rodri leads Manchester City in passes per game (90.2) at a 92% passing accuracy. He also leads the team in accurate long balls per game (4.8) at a 74% long ball accuracy. Ilkay Gundogan, who has started five out of six Premier League matches so far also has a 90% passing accuracy. This shows that Manchester City keeps the ball incredibly well in key areas that determine defensive solidity. Ball retention in the final third doesn’t do much for defensive solidity because you’re naturally expected to lose the ball the most in those areas.

No, I didn’t come here to wax lyrical about Manchester City’s centerhalves and midfielders. Those numbers will become relevant soon. Chelsea’s best ball-playing centerback is Thiago Silva. This season he has averaged 89% passing accuracy. 89%. This is a key player in an area of the field where ball retention is key. Kalidou Koulibaly has started five out of six games for Chelsea this season. He has an 84% passing accuracy. Jorginho, who is key to how Chelsea brings the ball out of the defense, has an 85% passing accuracy.

Remember that Manchester City has several players in defense and midfield that are impeccable at ball retention. Chelsea has few players that were good at it. Were, because they’ve shown none of that ball retention ability this season. One cause of the problem begins to show. The alarming thing is that the above-mentioned Chelsea players’ pass percentages aren’t influenced by long balls. Attempting a large number of long balls will mean that your passing accuracy will suffer. These players, however, have very good long ball accuracy, so it means that they’re struggling with completing short and medium-range passes. This is the first thing that needs to improve. Chelsea cannot reduce the number of shots they allow if key centerbacks and central midfielders are struggling with ball retention.