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There is no denial that Chelsea is currently the most inconsistent of the top three teams. They have had some close matches against teams they were tipped to win easily. The only reason one can think of would be the inability of the strikers to score consistently for the team. However, the contributing factor is also the inability to defend set-pieces. They have conceded the maximum number of goals by set-pieces in the League this season.
Coming to the tactics part, one can say that Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea isn’t playing beautiful Football. Jose has a tendency to make his team play defensive if they have taken lead in the game. This usually leads to chances by opponents to score an equalizer. Touch-wood for Mourinho, he hasn’t slipped a lead this season in Premier League, however, he has lost the cup tie against Sunderland because of this.
Chelsea have not finished off the games regularly. The only games where they have actually finished off the game beautifully have been against West ham in November and Southampton on New Year’s Day in the Premier League and their Champions League matches against Schalke FC.
Player Analysis
- Petr Cech – He hasn’t had a great season but he has still proven to be an important part of the team because of some fine saves which has led Chelsea to many victories by a margin of 1 Goal. ( 7/10 )
- Ivanovic – A traditional centre-back converted to a full back after Bosingwa couldn’t deliver for Chelsea on that position. He hasn’t had a season to remember so far. Inconsistency and lack of speed required in that position has led to many counter attacks Chelsea has faced, the most hurting would be the goals conceded to FC Basel, one at the Bridge and the other at St. Jakob-Park (Basel’s Home). ( 5/10 )
- Terry – The leader of the team. He has played some exceptional games this season and has been a rock in defence for the team. He is the inspiring force in the rock solid Chelsea defense. ( 7/10 )
- David Luiz – Excellent Defensive midfielder but arguable a weak centre back as he tends to run forward leaving space behind for a counter attack. Not a great season so far but definitely a player who has a lot of skills and can improve a lot. ( 6/10 )
- Azpilicueta – Consistent choice as a left back for Mourinho and there is not denying that he has played exceptionally well in that position this season keeping in mind that he isn’t a traditional left back. his performance against Arsenal was the best he has produced this season. ( 7/10 )
- Mikel – He hasn’t had a good season (great would be out of comparison). According to the stats, more than 75 percent of Mikel’s passes are back to the defenders, which is more than Cahill and David Luiz. Only John Terry has more passes to defenders than Mikel. So Mikel hasn’t been a useful midfielder so far this season. ( 5 /10 )
- Ramires – An average season, but none the less pretty decent as compared to his current counterparts in that position. ( 6/10 )
- Hazard – He has actaully been a hazard for his opponents. Excellent season so far and without a doubt the best left winger in Premier League this season. Consistently scoring goals for Chelsea, he has been the stand out performer and is the best in the team. His nimble feet and vision for goal is brilliant. ( 8/10 )
- Oscar - Consistent season so far with regular goals and assists coming in. Nice creativity leading to many Chelsea goals this season. He leads the list of most key passes made in the Chelsea team this season. ( 7/10 )
- Mata – Two times player of the season for Chelsea but not the favorite with Mourinho. He has technically had a good season but cannot be credited as he wasn’t allowed to display his talent much on the pitch by Mourinho. Looking at the style of play and the creativity he has had a good season so far. ( 6/10 )
- Eto’o – A new signing this season to replace Torres and make sure Chelsea have a striker who can score consistently. But he has failed to deliver even a single bit. Missed chances, poor positioning and lack of involvement has not fulfilled the need of Chelsea. He has missed more opportunities than Torres did in his first Complete season at Chelsea. ( 4/10 )
- Cole – A few injuries and lack of faith by the manager has seen Cole on the sidelines for most of the season. No great performances even when he has played but still one would prefer him as a left back and Azpilicueta as a right back to make sure of the perfect defense that Chelsea need. Maybe more playing time is what he needs. ( 5/10 )
- Cahill – The heart of the central defense and when combined with Terry, a solid combo in defense. With his ability to run up and down the pitch and making sure he is at the right place and at the right time, he is the best central defender Chelsea have at the moment. ( 7/10 )
- Lampard – He hasn’t had a great season either, with the his age, one can say that he is playing well. though expectations would be high from Lampard, he has contributed for Chelsea this season more than he could have. ( 6/10 )
- Schurrle – A good signing for Chelsea. A consistent player and improving every game. If he gets more playing time, he has the capability to be a World Class player. ( 6/10 )
- Willian – Another signing this season, not good but certainly not bad. He hasn’t been consistent, but when he is good, he has delivered. And similarly, if he gets playing time too, he would be a great threat up front. ( 6/10 )
- Torres – Most of the people might have thought that Torres is still not playing well. However, if you carefully look at the games he has played, he has been playing well. Only finishing has been a concern, which I agree is his main job, but he has great passing and creativity and has had a good season so far. ( 6/10 )
Other players like Ba,De Bruyne and Essien havn’t started more than two games for Chelsea so judging them wouldn’t be fair, but they have had their chances and haven’t been much impressive.
Chelsea have the team to be Champions, its just that Mourinho needs to bring the lads together and make sure he plays the teams to kill the game and not just sit and defend a one goal lead. If that is done Chelsea can be champions. If the first half form continues, they might even slip out of the Champions League position.
