Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
As a Chelsea fan, it is really frustrating watching the team having to take on a low block week in, week out.
Thankfully, that has not been too much of a problem for the Blues this season. Xabi Alonso’s side have scored in all of their games so far, with their attack looking unstoppable right now.
In the Premier League, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro and Morgan Rogers have already scored eight goals combined after just four matches. Rather, Chelsea’s problem is in defence, having already conceded nine times in the current campaign.
Enzo Fernandez for Man City
Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images
However, as electric as Palmer, Pedro and Rogers have been, breaking down low blocks could also become an issue because of how often Chelsea come up against them. According to Opta Analyst, Alonso’s men have spent 22% of their time on the pitch building up against a low block.
Compared to the other teams in the Premier League, only Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have had to face a low block more often. Surprisingly, Manchester City are quite low on the list, spending just 15% of their time building up against a low block.
Rank Team Percentage of time building up against a low block
1. Liverpool 27%
2. Manchester United 26%
3. Tottenham 24%
4. Chelsea 22%
5. Brentford 21%
5. Arsenal 21%
Enzo Maresca, who was appointed City manager in June after leaving Chelsea at the beginning of the year, has got off to a fantastic start at the Etihad. He has won all four of his Premier League games in charge so far, including last Sunday’s Manchester derby.
City beat rivals Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford, with former Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez impressing against Michael Carrick’s side. Amid an injury crisis in midfield at Stamford Bridge, Alonso could really do with the Argentine right now.
In January, signing a new midfielder must be a priority for Chelsea. After links in the summer, Fabian Ruiz would be a great addition to their squad, but the Paris Saint-Germain star does not appear to be at the top of the club’s shortlist.