Chelsea ended their losing run with a hard fought draw against Liverpool last weekend.
The Blues' trip to Anfield saw Calum McFarlane forced into a tactical change. Injuries to Pedro Neto, Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho meant the interim boss didn't have any left sided wingers available.
Consequently, the away team had little choice but to line up in a five-at-the-back system. This style of play is something fans didn't really see under Liam Rosenior so the team would've been forgiven for struggling.
And they didn't get off to the best of starts. They conceded early on again and had to come from behind once again.
Chelsea benefited from five-at-the-back against Liverpool
Ryan Gravenberch's six minute opener was the ninth time Chelsea had trailed inside the first 10 minutes. It looked like it could be a long afternoon, but unlike previous games, the side didn't let their heads drop and ended up fighting back well.
Enzo Fernandez's first half equaliser was enough to earn a point and it could've — and probably should've — been more.
Marc Cucurella — the eventual Man of the Match —was excellent throughout. The Spain international played in a more advanced wing-back role with Jorrel Hato, Wesley Fofana and Levi Colwill forming a three-man central defence. Malo Gusto occupied the right wing-back position and also had a decent game.
The spine of the team, which saw Moises Caicedo line up beside Andrey Santos, were equally as important too. There were periods throughout the match where Chelsea's midfield, aided by Cole Palmer, dominated Liverpool's.
Oliver Glasner could be perfect manager for Chelsea
Even though they didn't take all three points, Saturday's 1-1 draw was arguably the Blues' performance all year.
Clearly capable of playing expansive, attacking and wide football, Chelsea might've just opened the door for a manager who isn't currently viewed as their first choice to take charge.
This season will be Oliver Glasner's last at Crystal Palace. The Austrian is set to make a major step up and has been linked with some of the biggest jobs in world football, including the vacant Stamford Bridge hot seat.
And although some feel Glasner's style of play isn't right, last weekend's performance suggests otherwise.
Despite the 51-year-old not being the first manager to favour three centre backs — Ruben Amorim famously tried, and failed, at Manchester United — he's certainly proved his system at Crystal Palace works like a dream.
Judging by how the team outperformed Liverpool last weekend, as well as the versatility within the squad, perhaps Glasner shouldn't be overlooked and ruled out of the running to succeed Liam Rosenior just yet.
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