What can be done to keep the ship sailing at Chel'SEA'

What is going wrong?

Chelsea's development over the past 2 years, under Tuchel and somewhat under Graham Potter heavily banked on its wing backs- having them injured is definitely taking the toll on the team, as seen both in 2021 and right now. Dominating in their presence and in the gutters due to their absence. Marc Cucurella, the 50m signing from summer isn't doing a great job covering for Chilwell either, as the scorelines clearly suggest that his defensive capabilities aren't that great after all. He has been clumsy and all over the place with his tackles, fails to choose the right pass forward and always seems to be in some sort of hurry. That's our first player call out for the day, Cucurella. 

Lewis Hall has indeed been one bright spark amidst the absence of Ben Chilwell, he showed up against Crystal Palace and Fulham, definitely proving to have a promising future. But is one proper full back balancing enough? Is our captain Caesar Azpilcueta a right wing back at all? No one seems to be enough to replace Reece James on the right, thanks to the high standard he set, Azpilcueta seems to be better off as a right centre back than at the wingback. Thus our second player call out goes to, Azpilcueta. Not exactly his fault, but his position is a flaw that's holding the team back.

Next we call out Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Aubameyang for not doing ENOUGH going forward. Simple scenarios from the Fulham game clearly pointed out that these players have been choosing to play safe over the obvious attacking scenario that had been handed to them on a platter. Well yes, Joao Felix getting the red brought the team down that day but it was clear that he was the only one showing intent to even do anything that day. His runs were perfect, but went unnoticed. It's big time they get NOTICED! Shouldn't choose to pass to Jorginho at the back over Felix running through! That should never be how Chelsea attacks and that was the same mistake the players were committing under Tuchel too. Potter was supposed to change that, seemingly was doing so at the start, but the injuries aren't helping him.

Without Kante and Timo, our work rate has been extremely poor and we struggle with high pressing teams like Nottingham Forrest and Brighton!

ARE WE DOING ANYTHING TO CHANGE THIS?

Lewis Hall, Kepa Arizzabalaga, Joao Felix, Mudryk (new signing announced on 15th Jan), Badiashile, Chukwuemeka, Zakaria ought to change the situation for the blues in the coming days. Felix who is out for 3 games, showed promise. He ought to play a key role in the blue's redemption. And so would Murdyk, whom we hijacked from Arsenal. These are young players with an ambition to prove themselves at the top stage and they won't hold back when the moment asks for it and that is what we need right now. I'm sure Mason Mount will get better and will only add to this really mind blowing attack. With Sterling in too, we are up for a treat if I'm not being too optimistic. But let's wait and see. This time around, we need to back the manager. The players should be the ones that are sold away but not the manager, else the vicious cycle continues and I hope @TODDBOEHLY knows that. 

Follow @stamford_stroll on IG if you still haven't. Chelsea won 1-0 Against Crystal Palace and play 9th placed Liverpool next. Will be a good test for the rejuvenated squad. Hope the players show up big time. UP THE CHELS.