Chelsea returned to winning ways ahead of the international break with a 2-0 away victory over Hull City on Saturday, ending a two-game losing streak in the Premier League
After a week of soul-searching, crisis meetings and rumoured changes, Antonio Conte is back in business with another win under his belt as new Chelsea boss.
Willian and Diego Costa were the heroes on the day, with the duo scoring with sublime strikes to give the Londoners a comfortable lead in the second half. The Blues can now head into the break with confidence, and with Kurt Zouma possibly returning when the action kicks off again, there’s a lot to be pleased about.
A good performance and a good result from Chelsea; here are five talking points which stemmed from this match.
#1 New tactics
The very first thing made apparent was Conte’s formation change. The welcome absence of right-back Branislav Ivanovic left many fans gleeful, and the introduction of the new 3-4-3 formation proved intriguing as well.
The new system has passed its first test, albeit against softer opposition. Gary Cahill, who cut a forlorn figure these last few games, looked assured at left centre-back with Cesar Azpilicueta on the opposite flank and new-boy Marcos Alonso providing extra cover in the wing-back position.
Alonso, making his first Premier League appearance for Chelsea, put in a very impressive performance, and even got a few chances to get on the score-sheet himself.
While the 3-4-3 seems the answer to Chelsea’s defensive problems up to this point, it’s also worth pointing out the offensive boost. The Blues showed a whole new level of attack against Hull, and even N’Golo Kante could be seen pushing up and joining the play up top.
So Conte’s changes worked on Saturday, but they will be tested further when his team face Leicester City and Manchester United in their next two fixtures.
#2 Victor Moses’ performance
Victor Moses started his first League game for the Blues this term, having come on off the bench in previous matches. The Nigerian certainly didn’t disappoint, and his direct attacking made Chelsea all the better.
Moses has never been afraid to run at defenders, and that did not change against Hull. He used his pace to get in dangerous attacking positions, keeping the Tigers’ defenders on their toes every time he got a hold of the ball.
He walked off to a standing ovation when he was taken off late on and replaced by Pedro. Chelsea fans will hope that he keeps his place in the side, as he makes things so much more exciting when he’s out on the pitch.
#3 Diego Costa’s form
The Spain international currently leads all scorers in the Premier League with six goals and two assists in seven matches.
Costa started last season very quietly under Jose Mourinho, but with a new man at the helm, the striker is brimming with confidence and working hard. He had a very solid performance up front for Chelsea on the day and gave the opponents a lot of trouble with his strength and movement.
The goal in itself was a thing of beauty. A curled shot off Nemanja Matic’s blocked shot that flew into the top right corner, which was great to watch.
Conte will be counting on his fiery forward as the season trudges along, but his discipline, as always, will continue to be a worry.
There were no such issues on Saturday, though. But with four yellow cards to his name already, he’s just one shy of a suspension.
#4 Hull are still searching for answers
Starting the season with two wins from their first two matches – including an opening-day victory against champions Leicester City – things were looking bright for the Tigers.
Five games later, Mike Phelan and his men are still on two wins, and are way down the table in 15th place.
They boasted one of the league’s meanest defences the first few weeks, but this latest loss leaves them with 14 goals in the negative column. Only West Ham and Sunderland have conceded more.
Phelan seems to be running out of answers and could see his team sink into the drop zone if results don’t improve. While many have tipped him to land the manager’s job on a permanent basis, this latest string of poor showing does not bode well for him.
#5 Nemanja Matic could be holding Chelsea back
There was really no need to play two defensive midfielders against Hull City, but Conte did it anyway. The Italian has persisted with Nemanja Matic all season and left Cesc Fabregas out to dry yet again.
Matic, for all his ability in breaking up play, doesn’t seem very necessary anymore now that Kante is in the side. Sure Chelsea could use his abilities every game, but you do feel that they would be better off using an attacking player in his place.
Saturday’s game showed Chelsea at their attacking best, with everyone contributing offensively; everyone except Matic.
