5 talking points from Chelsea’s victory at Wembley

0
1135

Chelsea went into the game against Spurs as massive underdogs which is not surprising given how many injuries and suspensions they were dealing with. But Chelsea emerged victorious in a match that they showed the resilience that Champions are made of.

Here are the key talking points from the match.

1) Alex Sandro who?

Chelsea have been in the market for many new players but none more so than Juventus wing-back Alex Sandro. There were fears about Alonso’s pace and defensive ability but who needs that when your left wingback is so damaging in attack. Marcos Alonso had 5 shots on goal against Burnley, the most by any Chelsea player. At Wembley, he had more than shots to show as he scored both Chelsea’s goals on the night. One of which a free kick far better than you will see all season. Great response from the Spaniard amidst all the talks of Sandro replacing him as first choice LWB.

2) Kane’s August curse continues

It is really strange to talk about curses in modern football but one cannot overlook this. The striker who has won the golden boot in the last two seasons has now gone 12 games without scoring a goal in the month of August. He has hit the post twice already in two games and Spurs fans will be getting anxious about him breaking the duck.

3) 3-5-2 the salvation for Chelsea?

With Matic gone and Bakayoko drafted in the side, Chelsea look a little weak in the passing department. But playing 3-5-2 when all their players are available for selection could be a masterstroke. Conte preferred this formation at Juventus and used it to devastating effect winning 3 consecutive Scudettos. Playing Fabregas alongside Bakayoko and Kante to mirror the Pirlo-Vidal-Pogba combination could help. Also playing Hazard in behind the striker could help him be more prolific while the boys behind him do all the dirty work for him.

4) Spurs to play away all season?

Spurs have a disastrous record at Wembley losing 7 of their last 9 matches winning just once. The pitch at Wembley is wider and bit longer as well and Spurs struggled to maintain their pace throughout the game. They will have to find solutions quickly otherwise they will be left looking like they are playing the whole season away from home comforts.

5) Crisis, What Crisis?

With so many reasons for troubled times at Chelsea, the board not being on the same page as the manager, selling of key players, losing out on major transfer targets, the tabloids were rife with rumours of a crisis at the club. But Conte and his boys have quashed all such rumours, at least for the time being. Chelsea was underestimated way too early even last season after back to back defeats against Arsenal and Liverpool but they bounced back and went on a 15 game winning streak as they raced towards the title. The game was a reminder of what Conte has at his disposal once his squad is fully fit. With Hazard’s imminent recovery, they can only get better from here. Antonio Conte said he wanted to avoid a Jose Mourinho season and the players are showing that there is a difference between the two seasons as they want to fight for their manager this time around.  Youngsters like Andreas Christensen have stepped up and they are ready to take responsibility in helping Chelsea defend their crown.