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

November to December 27 is a massive stretch for Graham Potter and Chelsea

There may be no games on the schedule for the Blues between Boxing Day, but this stretch during the world’s most prestigious tournament is one where refocusing is key. While many players are going to be going on international duty, the group that is staying with the club has a task to challenge the players coming back when that time comes. Potter has an opportunity to add to his list of needs ahead of the January window and figure out ways to solve the lack of goals that is equaling the drop in form.

Tactically, Potter is a manager that loves fluidity and adjustment, but finding a structure, and identity has to be the goal in order to right the ship with a crucial second half of the season now the reality. From the Champions League knockout stages against a young Dortmund side to the FA Cup to fight to get a Champions League position next season, there is going to be a lot of work to be done. Reece James, and Ben Chilwell being able to rehab, and not hurt their chances, even more, is an advantage for the Blues.

César Azpilicueta even left the pitch early against Newcastle due to injury, and while it is tragic that he may not be able to contribute to his country in the way he wants in the World Cup, the west Londoners need all the rest they can get. The world saw Potter give a chance to Lewis Hall twice, but could the Blues be in need of even more youth in the midfield? Hutchinson is a player that has an opportunity right in front of him to impress the Englishman while the others are gone. It is not just finishing the right solutions when it comes to the lineup cards each night out, it is about going back to playing CFC football as a team. The energy and drive have been more than lacking for the Blues during this run of fixtures, and out of all the teams in the Premier League, no club requires a substantial break more than Chelsea Football Club.