Carabao Cup 2018-19, Tottenham 1-0 Chelsea: 5 Talking Points

#4 What must Sarri do next?

A host of injuries to his players, two losses at Wembley and no security of a top 4 place summed up Sarri's Christmas, as after a remarkable start to life at Stamford Bridge, the Italian mastermind has undergone a barren spell of sorts. But, he's got no time to look back. It's Newcastle up next for Chelsea, followed by a trip to Arsenal, before the second leg.

Looking at his side's fluency in front of goal against the Lilywhites, there's no denying that they can turn the tables and churn out a result at Stamford Bridge, but what has the manager got to do now?

In terms of his game plan and tactics, the players are slowly but steadily, understanding his expansive brand of football. Although the goals have dried up to a notable extent in recent games, there's no doubt over the attacking prowess of the side.

What needs to be altered is the team selection. Eden Hazard, who was expected to be given some rest against Forest, ended up playing over 40 minutes. He again started this game. So it would be fine to hand him a 30-minute cameo against a struggling Newcastle side and depend on Pedro, Willian, Giroud and Hudson-Odoi.

Hazard should get some much-needed rest in order to enter the Emirates pitch with fresh legs.