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#2 Chelsea still lack that spark going ahead
While Chelsea’s defence has borne the brunt of criticism this year, their attack, or rather lack of it, is just as responsible for their poor results so far. While the Blues managed to put four in the back of the net against Maccabi, they were mainly able to do so due to poor defending on the part of the Israeli side rather than outright skill and talent produced while going ahead on their behalf.
Last season, Chelsea possessed this ruthlessness while going ahead, especially on the counter-attack, which sent shivers down opposition defender’s spines. It was swift, clinical and paid them massive dividends. This season, however, that sense of setting up fast paced, effective and successful attacks seems to have evaded them.
Chelsea had the ball at their feet for most of the game, however, failed to create much. What they gave the fans instead was tepid, subdued gameplay with passing that lacked purpose. This improved in the second half – exemplified by Costa’s goal after a scorching Fabregas ball into the box which was reminiscent of last season.
These instances, however, have been few and far between. Their talisman from last year – Hazard in particular, has flattered only to deceive and has been well below the standard we’ve grown accustomed to see him playing at.
