The verdict on Chelsea’s season five games in
By Anthony Gatt
Five games in five points – was this the expectation, or is Chelsea underperforming and we should expect more? Well, all the statistics and numbers that we can grab insist that this team is currently underperforming especially in front of goal. We have a xG of 10.64 and we’ve only scored five and haven’t scored in the last two games. But putting all the stats aside, I’ve watched every game and there is a lot of things that are promising so there is optimism that this will hopefully turn in to something positive. Although results must change soon or more questions will be asked of the manager and players as to what is the identity of this team and if they are right people for the job.
I have faith that Mauricio Pochettino is the right man for the job. However, in my opinion the recruitment this past summer barring a few players hasn’t been the best. So let’s analyze what the strategy is: the club has put an emphasis on buying young players with the hope that they will become good? They are operating on potential rather than experience, so must we as fans temper our expectations as to where this team finishes?
On the basis of the first five fixtures, I believe we should. If you go up and down this squad, we have to ask the questions, are there match winners, world class players and loads experience? From what we have seen so far the is answer is no, if we are being real. All these factors that I’ve mentioned contribute to a winning team and this is why our rivals are winning and continue to win and Chelsea have not. Can this crop players turn into what I just mentioned? Yes, absolutely. Yet, currently speaking, we haven’t seen this on the pitch. Injuries to key players have played a huge part, but with the money invested depth shouldn’t be an issue. The players who are fit need to perform better.
From my perspective, there is a very worrying period up ahead where the west Londoners will be playing teams like Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion and Arsenal in the next five matches, who look electric and unbeatable at this moment. Why do they look so electric? Because each of these teams have a manager in place who has a clear identity on how to play, they brought players in with experience and also have performers that have been developed and are in great form. You look at this side and you can’t say they have an identity yet. You also can’t suggest that CFC have the likes of Declan Rice or a Moussa Diaby, because they went down a different route and that brings me to next point.
The club sold academy players like Mason Mount, Marc Guehi, Callum Hudson Odoi and Billy Gilmour for “pure profit” and signed starlets who have the same profile. We can go into a whole discussion as to why these players left but, currently speaking, what have those sales resulted in? The continuous spending cannot go on forever: the correct profile of player must be brought in, in order to reach the heights of Manchester City and Arsenal. The Blues are far from reaching those levels and we have pointed out reasons as to why.
Next. Chelsea raiding Arsenal for a transfer will raise same problem. dark
The main problem in this case is injuries. I do believe when Reece James, Christopher Nkunku and Romero Lavia return to the team they will make the Blues much better. I felt that we didn’t bring enough experience in, especially up top at striker. There were too many needless signings who won’t play a role this season and not enough focus on targeting players who will help now and for the future. Finally, time shall ultimately make the difference between the contemporary Chelsea and where we all want to be. Will the manager and squad get the necessary time? I hope so – but pressure will mount if no improvement is shown soon. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!