Chelsea’s High Press vs Newcastle: Tactical Strengths, Weaknesses and Adjustments

Ahead of Chelsea's EFL Cup clash with Newcastle United tonight, a tactical revisit of their previous Premier League encounter offers insight into the team’s pressing approach. Chelsea's high press strategy, a crucial aspect of their defensive setup, included key adjustments that demonstrated improvements in defensive stability and pressing sequences. In this analysis, we will delve into the tactical structure and personnel choices Enzo Maresca made, assessing their effectiveness in handling Newcastle’s build-up play and highlighting areas for improvement.

Tactical Set-Up and Key Personnel

In their high press approach, the Blues aimed to disrupt Newcastle’s possession by employing a zonal structure with man-oriented elements. Eddie Howe's set up his side in a man-oriented pressing scheme, yet this approach showed vulnerabilities due to Chelsea’s ability to play through the lines, exposing Newcastle's markers. Chelsea's own zonal system, although more structurally sound, was also occasionally susceptible, especially in the early moments of the game.

The pressing framework that the home team adopted encompassed several core principles. Their forwards engaged in a man-to-man marking strategy against Newcastle’s backline, effectively aiming to force the play onto one side of the pitch. In midfield, Chelsea operated with a 2v3 underload, compensating for their numerical disadvantage through the strategic deployment of cover shadows. Additionally, they maintained a +1 player advantage in their backline, which offered an extra layer of protection against Newcastle's striker, Alexander Isak.

Romeo Lavia was tasked with man-marking Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali in midfield, while Joelinton's movements drew Moises Caicedo into Chelsea's right half-space. When Caicedo chose not to track Joelinton, Newcastle could create a 2v1 overload on the wings, posing a threat down Chelsea's flanks.