September was rough for Chelsea, with mistakes costing the team and spotlighting three players who have to step up.
A 3–1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Champions League, a 2–1 loss at Manchester United while down to 10 men, being held to a draw for the second half against Lincoln City in the Carabao Cup, and then a 3–1 loss at home to Brighton with another red card, all lodged concern into the movement of the season ahead.
The consistent pattern across the board was not a lack of opportunities, but expensive individual mistakes. Mistakes in terms of decision-making and mistakes in critical moments. If Chelsea wants to turn things around in October, here are three players who need to step up their game.
Robert Sánchez
Sánchez was sent off after 5 minutes at Old Trafford, and Chelsea were down to 10 men and lost 2–1. The red card and a string of big mistakes has put the goalkeeper under the spotlight and keeper is a real weakness for Chelsea in September.
A top keeper’s mistakes aren’t just about shot-stopping, and they change the game immediately. Maresca has acknowledged the impact of costly mistakes in recent weeks, and the team has suffered as a result.
What Sánchez needs to do in October:
- Be more cautious in 1v1/rushing out situations (reduce DOO/denial fouls).
- Rebuild confidence with simpler distribution and fewer high risk exits.
- Work with the coach on communication with the defensive line to avoid risky interventions.
Trevoh Chalobah
Chalobah got a straight red for denying a goalscoring opportunity at Stamford Bridge (Brighton), and Chelsea were down to 10 men, and the result was changed. It’s the latest in a month where discipline and last-ditch defending have cost Chelsea points.
Chelsea’s defensive depth is already depleted by injuries and suspensions so avoidable reds force tactical compromises and expose the inexperienced replacements. The club can’t keep having red card moments and expect to get results.
What Chalobah needs to do in October:
- Improve decision making as “last man” — when to give the foul, when to delay.
- Focus on positioning and anticipation so desperation tackles aren’t needed.
- Reassert composure after pressure moments; discipline lapses are now game deciding.
Andrey Santos
In the Brighton game (and other recent games) a loose pass from Santos put Chalobah in a desperate position that led to the red card. That kind of turnover in the defensive third is a recurring problem.
Midfield turnovers in the danger zone turn pressure into clear chances against Chelsea. With two senior defenders missing, bad distribution makes the defence more vulnerable.
What Santos needs to do in October:
- Keep possession in the back third , simpler passes, fewer long balls under pressure.
- Improve body orientation and scanning so forward passes don’t put his defence in trouble.
- Work on composure under pressure; if the team asks him to play through the press, the execution must be better.