Summary of "Chelsea’s Season So Far - Tactical Review"

[[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20) Tactical Review: Season So Far

The video provides a comprehensive tactical review of [[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)’s season to date, covering 10 matches across different competitions:

7 Premier League games
2 Champions League fixtures
1 cup win

Key Statistical Comparisons

Possession: Improved to 59.9% this season (from 57.1% last season)
Shot Volume: Declined to 12.9 shots per 90 minutes (from 15.7 last season)

The drop in shot volume is a central concern discussed throughout the analysis.

Impact of Injuries

Injuries have significantly affected the squad, notably the absences of:

Cole Palmer
Liam Dap
Levi Colwell

These absences have influenced tactical choices and player rotations.

Early Season Tactical Challenges

The first four matches were against teams employing a back five defensive setup:

Crystal Palace
West Ham
Fulham
Brentford

This defensive structure posed unique tactical challenges for [[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20).

Initial Tactical Setup: 3-1-6 Formation

Coach Mauricio (referred to as Moresca) initially experimented with a 3-1-6 shape, focusing on:

Playing out from the back with a central center-back
Using a single pivot (Casso)

However, difficulties emerged against back five defenses, particularly due to:

Limited effectiveness of striker Xiao Pedro in pinning defenders
Pressure from opposition players like Talipa on the left side, restricting [[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)’s progression

Tactical Shift: West Ham 5-1 Win

A notable tactical adjustment occurred during the 5-1 victory over West Ham, involving:

Personnel changes (e.g., Tossin returning, Chaloba shifting left, Palmer replaced by Estal due to injury)
More dynamic use of pocket players behind the striker
Improved width, pressing, and attacking fluidity

This approach helped create more scoring opportunities.

Matches Against Fulham and Brentford

Fulham: Injury to Dap led to Tyreek George coming on to stretch defenses, while Pedro operated as a number 10, reflecting Moresca’s preference for Pedro in a creative role against back five teams.
Brentford: The draw highlighted the importance of key substitutes like Reese James and Kukar, who stabilized the team and enhanced composure and pressing after coming off the bench.

Formation Experiments: 2-2-5-1

[[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20) also experimented with a 2-2-5-1 formation in some games, which aims to:

Overload opposition pressing with a striker
Create numerical advantages

However, this formation requires precise execution to avoid defensive vulnerabilities.

Challenges Against Strong Opponents

The 3-1 loss to Bayern Munich and difficult matches against Manchester United and Lincoln exposed:

Squad depth issues
Mentality challenges

[[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20) struggled in physically demanding and high-pressure scenarios.

Recent Tactical Evolution: 4-3-3 System

More recently, [[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20) has shifted towards a 4-3-3 system characterized by:

Starting with deeper fullbacks
Transitioning into a 3-2-4-1 shape during play

This system allows:

Greater central connectivity
Rotations and technical interplay, especially involving players like Fernandez, Kukarea, Enzo, and Gusto

It has been effective in wins against Benfica and Liverpool, as well as a strong first half against Brighton (before a red card).

Ongoing Concerns: Shot Volume and Directness

Shot volume remains a concern, influenced by personnel availability and playing style.
[[Chelsea](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O293UM0?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F25F2Z89?tag=dtdgstoreid08-20)’s directness is relatively low (1.54 direct speed, 19th in the league), partly due to the need to maintain possession safely given defensive vulnerabilities.
The absence of Dap and Palmer limits forward runs and direct attacking options, increasing reliance on wingers and fullbacks to create shots and stretch defenses.

Player Contributions and Expectations

Xiao Pedro’s shot volume is notably low (around 1.4 shots per game).
Wingers like Ganacho, Gittens, and Estal are expected to contribute more by generating shots off the dribble.
The return of Dap and Palmer is anticipated to improve directness and attacking dynamics by providing more runners and outlets.

The video concludes by inviting questions and comments, mentioning an upcoming preview of the Forest game, and encouraging engagement through likes, comments, and subscriptions.