EPL 2017/18: Five reasons why Chelsea will finish outside the top four

Chelsea v Sunderland - Premier League
Will the Champions flatter to deceive?

#4 They can’t resort to the same tactic

Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur - The Emirates FA Cup Semi-Final
Will the same old setup work for Chelsea?

Against Tottenham, everyone expected Chelsea to lose. Antonio Conte did well to nullify the threat their fierce rivals possess, but they can’t use the same approach in every game they play throughout the season.

The 3-5-2 saw David Luiz play in midfield to deny the duo of Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen any room to pick out holes in the heart of the park. It was the perfect example of the catenaccio style that Italy boasts of and Chelsea grabbed the win in a near smash and grab fashion.

But they can’t use the same tactic against sides which are inferior to them. They will have to attack more and without Diego Costa up front, it remains to be seen if they will be as proficient in front of goal when Alvaro Morata still needs to adapt to the demands of the Premier League.

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