In their 3-0 victory over AC Milan, **Chelsea** looked a lot more balanced offensively and more compact defensively whilst playing in a back 3 system, with **Josh Acheampong**, **Wesley Fofana** and **Jorrel Hato** being the three centre-backs. Ultimately, in the previous 2 matches against **Tottenham** and **Juventus**, respectively, Chelsea were open defensively, and both teams cut through the Blues' midfield like a knife through butter, particularly in transition.
However, in the match against **Ruben Amorim**’s side, Chelsea were much more organised and disciplined out of possession. **Xabi Alonso**’s side closed down the gaps; in midfield, they forced Milan to pass backwards and sideways, rather than breaking the lines, and Chelsea won their individual battles.
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso reacting in a friendly vs AC Milan (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
In a back three system, Chelsea were playing a 3-2-5 system whilst having possession. This is because both fullbacks **Marco Palestra** and **Pedro Neto** were pushing extremely high up the pitch and became wingers. In fact, there were periods when Palestra was the furthest player forward due to making diagonal and dangerous runs in behind the Italian’s side defence.
Marco Palestra vs AC Milan (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC via Getty Images)
Chelsea were constantly utilising the full backs, and the tactic was to put crosses from the wide areas while having many players in the opposing side's box. For example, Palestra got past his man and put in a brilliant cross for **Joao Pedro** in the first half. However, there were periods, especially with **Geovany Quenda** in the second half, when the wing backs were also being given the licence to cut inside and take shots inside the box.
Chelsea were all over the shop defensively last season, and they conceded 52 goals in 38 **Premier League** matches. Playing in a back three should instantly make Chelsea more compact than last season and also ensure that the midfield has more protection behind them when they get bypassed. **Enzo Fernandez** has had his issues out of possession in terms of being dribbled past and losing his 50-50 duels, and there have been some suggestions that playing with 3 centre-backs will help hide some of his flaws.
Bringing in **Pep Chavarria** through the door will give Alonso more flexibility in a back three system because he can play as a LWB, and also Palestra predominantly played as RWB for **Cagliari** last season. Although pre-season has to be taken with a pinch of salt, the truth is that Chelsea’s most impressive performance thus far has come while playing with a back three and wing-backs.
There is a night-and-day difference in how Chelsea played against the Italian giants compared to their two previous matches. Chelsea’s team is potentially suited better in a back three system, and they have players like Chavarria, **Maxence Lacroix** and Palestra who are used to playing in either a 3-4-3 or a 3-4-2-1 system.
Joao Pedro will also have more service to feed off, because Chelsea will create more chances from the middle of the park and from wide areas, rather than just creating chances from out wide like they did last season. Alonso will set up his side in different systems and formations, but the back 3 formation will make the _Blues_ a more balanced team and more solid defensively.
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