Chelsea Anomaly Without the Most Expensive Player

The disaster of losing Fernandez is starting to become a blessing for Chelsea. There were many positive things from Chelsea in the London derby.

AP/KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder, Rodrigo Bentancur, battled in the air with Chelsea defender, Benoit Badiashile, in the English Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge Stadium, London, England, early Friday morning on May 3, 2024.

LONDON, FRIDAY — Chelsea managed to heal the wounds after being beaten five goals without reply by Arsenal in the London derby. Against another London team, Tottenham Hotspur, ”The Blue” won convincingly with a flawless performance. This result was achieved without the most expensive player, Enzo Fernandez, who was absent until the end of the season.

The way we play and compete, that's what we wanted from the start of the season.

Chelsea beat Spurs, 2-0, at Stamford Bridge Stadium on Friday (3/5/2024) early morning WIB. A pair of goals were scored by defender Trevor Chalobah and striker Nicolas Jackson with headers from set pieces. Spurs, who also lost to Arsenal last weekend, were the biggest losers in the city of London.

”This is our best performance. I'm the happiest person after the game. The way we play and compete, that's what we wanted from the start of the season. There's not much I can say other than give credit to the kids," said Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino, who beat his former team.

Also read: Brightening London, Arsenal's Midfield Trio Has Arrived!

The most interesting thing about Chelsea's victory was Fernandez's absence. They appeared more solid in defense and attack without the Argentine national team midfielder. The composition of the team under Pochettino has become much more balanced. Many players can play in their best positions.

AFP/GLYN KIRK

Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah and Tottenham Hotspur striker Richarlison were competing for the ball during a Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London on Friday (3/5/2024) early morning local time.

Midfielder Moises Caicedo, for example, is one of the best performers. He, who usually leans to the left, took Fernandez's position on the right. He seemed more comfortable in that position. As is known, Caicedo was installed as a right wing-back last season at his old team, Brighton and Hove Albion.

Caicedo is so dominant in the midfield. This can be seen from the statistics, where he recorded the highest number of successful tackles (5 out of 5), won duels (10 out of 12), and also fouls suffered (4). Caicedo partners with Conor Gallagher who is known as a hard-working midfielder. Usually, when Fernandez is present, Gallagher is deployed as an attacking midfielder.

Also read: “Poison” Arsenal's Left Side in the London Derby

Chelsea, after leading 1-0 at halftime, played more defensively in the second half. Spurs besieged the host with an absolute advantage in the number of shots, 16-5 and 73.4% ball possession in the second half. However, amidst the onslaught, the solidity of Caicedo and Gallagher made the defense of The Blues feel secure.

Chelsea's defense, which has been a source of trouble throughout the season, became the key to victory in the derby. They have only conceded two goals in the last three months, both of which occurred when Fernandez was absent. One of these games was their biggest win of the season against Everton (6-0) in mid-April.

AFP/GLYN KIRK

Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher vies for the ball with Tottenham Hotspur defender Cristian Romero during a Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London on Friday (3/5/2024) early in the morning Western Indonesian Time.

Pochettino said that this season's journey has been very rough due to prolonged injury storms. According to him, the team's composition earlier could already show Chelsea's best potential even without Fernandez. "We have found the right balance in recent weeks," he said.

Pochettino's tactics with a 4-2-3-1 formation also work better on the attacking side. Without Fernandez, Palmer plays more centrally behind Jackson. Chelsea can also play two high-speed wingers at the same time, Noni Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk, who are very dangerous in transition.

Also read: Nicolas Jackson's Promise Not Coming to Chelsea

Left wing-back Marc Cucurella also plays an unusual role. He becomes an inverted full-back who moves into a midfield position when in possession of the ball. He seems to contribute more in a more central position. Chelsea's left side is much livelier. Cucurella also provides more operating space for Mudryk on the wing.

The offensive game of Chelsea ran well in the first half. They were able to build attacks from the bottom with Cucurella and Caicedo's play in the defensive midfielder position or create transition situations directly with the wing attackers. The home team recorded 10 shots before halftime, four of which were made by Mudryk.

AP/KIRSTY WIGGLESWORTH

Chelsea's attacker, Nicolas Jackson, scored the second goal for his team in the English Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge Stadium, London, early Friday morning WIB.

Fernandez, who was brought in for 121 million euros from Benfica, will not be playing until the end of the season. He is still recovering from a thigh injury operation. This misfortune could be a hidden blessing for Chelsea. Pochettino can see the best potential of other players, such as today.

Spurs disaster from set pieces

Spurs again suffered from set pieces. In the match versus Arsenal, they also conceded two goals from corner kicks. Chelsea's first goal came from a corner kick, then the second goal came from a free kick. According to Spurs Manager Ange Postecoglou, the opening goal ruined the momentum.

Also read: The Epitome of Arsenal's Power in North London

Based on data from Squawka, Spurs have already conceded 22 goals from set pieces in the league this season. That number is the third highest after the relegation-threatened teams Nottingham Forest (26) and Sheffield United (23). Their weakness is clearly visible and can be exploited by Chelsea.

"It was not a good night for us. We did not play at the level we should have. It is not deserved to get something from this game. We lacked confidence and conviction. I am responsible for this result," said Postecoglou, who has already experienced three consecutive defeats.

AFP/GLYN KIRK

Tottenham Hotspur striker, Brennan Johnson, and Chelsea defender, Marc Cucurella, chased the ball during a Premier League match between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London on Friday (3/5/2024) dawn local time.

Also read: Tottenham Hotspur's 90 Second Nestapa

As a result of this outcome, Spurs' position has become increasingly difficult to break into the top four zone. They still sit in fifth place with 60 points from 34 matches, behind fourth-placed Aston Villa (67 points from 35 matches). Meanwhile, Spurs will visit Liverpool's haunted stronghold, Anfield Stadium, over the weekend. (AP/REUTERS)