This team doesn’t look like Chelsea right now: lessons learned v Newcastle

This team does not look like Chelsea right now

Just a few weeks ago, the Blues thrashed AC Milan 5-0 over two legs, and now they look unrecognizable, having dropped four out of the last five games. Many key contributors like Mateo Kovacic have dripped in form at the wrong time. It does not matter the kind of combinations that Potter puts out on the pitch, Chelsea simply cannot buy a goal at the moment. The good thing is, the Blues do not need a goal for several weeks.

An 18-year-old straight from the academy has looked better at the senior level than some of the Blues’ most experienced players in the top flight. Blues midfielders are defending in their own box consistently, instead of causing a threat to the opposition in the other box. Breaking presses, like Newcastle’s, finding the attacking unit, and giving them quality chances have been an issue.

Whether it is mistakes in the back, or giving up possession far too easily, Chelsea just does not look like itself. There is no coherence between the defense, and attacking line whatsoever at the moment. The midfield has to be able to break up play and without N’Golo Kante in the mix, Potter has not been able to find two in-form midfielders to act as the creators, and duel with some of the best attackers on the opposition’s side. It may take a while for Potter to find the answers, but the good thing is, he has time, and if this club believes this is the man to take it back to the top, he is going to solve these issues that could become long-term ones down the road.