Chelsea drew 1-1 with Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday. Here are three things The Pride of London learned from the Blues’ performance, including our thoughts on the team selection, a questionable Raheem Sterling and a consistently convincing Kepa Arrizabalaga.
A draw was an absolutely fair result at Stamford Bridge, if we are totally honest with ourselves. Yes, it would have been wonderful if Chelsea were able to clinch victory – and they probably should have done. Yet the footballing Gods ensured a justified stalemate.
There were, as always, good and bad elements to the CFC performance. This time it was roughly an equal balance of positive and negative aspects in the Blues team. Though, for the most part, I’d say Man United were the more dominant side, especially in the first half.
Mateo Kovacic’s introduction certainly helped readdress proceedings in Graham Potter’s team’s favour. Notably, the majority of supporters I’ve seen offering their opinions on the Croatian are unimpressed with his absence from the starting lineup. But his substitution takes us nicely onto three things we learned:
Tactical flexibility unnecessary if team selection correct
The subheading says it all really: if a manager or head coach chooses the right starting XI at any one time in the most suitable system, then major alterations are generally unneeded. The previous statement is not expressed to detract from the excellent adaptability in Potter’s capacity as boss.
Evidently the former Brighton & Hove Albion gaffer did correct the mistake by withdrawing Marc Cucurella and switching to a four-man defence early on. But many fans and spectators have witnessed Cucurella’s unease and unsuitability to the left centreback role. Therefore they believe Potter should possibly not use him there unless the issue of fit defenders worsens.
Raheem Sterling is an inconsistent player and has some basic tendencies
Before I explain my thoughts on Sterling, I remain of the opinion that he is, or perhaps could become, a good Chels’ signing. All things considered including fee etcetera, potential remains. His unpredictability was always going to annoy the Blues faithful. Though his fleeting form may just return at a vital time, as it did at Manchester City, it has to be said.
Pep Guardiola extracted the best from the England international by accentuating the deadlier and fairly rudimentary parts of his game. The one-two was extensively used, and his pace, while sometimes effective dribbling, was more evident away from the ball whilst drifting into a central goalscoring area. Tap-ins, and a lot of them, transpired after the Guardiola influence, as well as more assists.
What Potter must do with Sterling is simple: play to his strengths and therefore utilise his skill set for the good of the team. That approach will occasionally include not selecting his player among the starters. Remember, in spite of his current ineffectiveness, the onetime Liverpool star has a goal involvement in every other Premier League match for the Blues this season, so he might still prove his worth.
Kepa Arrizabalaga again shows why he’s Chelsea’s No.1 goalkeeper
The new first choice stopper at the Bridge: Kepa. To be fair, the Spaniard had acquired and relinquished that status during the earlier stage of his Blues career, dramatically. The 28-year-old’s in-game tenacity to succeed along with his mental fortitude under extreme media and external pressure is admirable. His persistence to cement himself in the CFC side once more and somewhat clear his name as an elite professional is remarkable, to say the least.
Versus the Red Devils Kepa made five saves, which includes a couple of superb stops that definitely ruined very opportunistic moments for the visitors. If Edouard Mendy is to reclaim his spot, he will possibly only do so through the Carabao Cup. A great display against the Citizens in November feels like the only chance for the Senegalese with his colleague in showcasing such dazzling play. Even in that scenario, the place is Kepa’s to lose; let’s hope silly mistakes don’t decide this one.