Yesterday’s hard-fought draw at Chelsea brought plenty of talking points that both raised and answered several questions about the team.
Firstly, the matter of result vs performance: we were absolutely nowhere near out best, and for only twenty minutes or so did we look like a competitive side in the second half. However, the fact that we refused to give up until the last kick, despite being outplayed for most of the match, is not only highly admirable, but deeply encouraging – it shows the kind of fighting, winning mentality that Conte is trying to instil into the players. Early days, but four points from two games where we have been in losing positions – one of which at a ground we generally have no joy at – is a sign of improved mental toughness, of which we’ll need plenty to take the next step to success.
Secondly, the various tactical shenanigans from both sides were fascinating. Indeed, Chelsea flummoxed us from the start playing Loftus-Cheek in a hybrid wing-back/midfield position that always seemed to leave us outnumbered in both ends of the pitch, and it wasn’t until Richarlison came on that we started to ask serious questions of Chelsea. We looked good going forward, but the 4-4-2 left us wide open on our left for Chelsea’s second, and the reversion to the back three towards the game’s end swung things back in our favour, but overall Chelsea were just tactically superior all game and executed their press with more efficacy and success; we just couldn’t cope at times.
A great point I have to say, and it’s too early to tell how both sides match up with each other looking forward, but Chelsea just looked a better, more composed side throughout, despite the result. Whether Conte will use Richarlison as a tool to go 4-4-2 in the future, or try a 3-5-2 when things aren’t going to plan, remains to be seen, but it was fascinating seeing his response to going 1-0 then 2-1 down, just as it was really uplifting to see us refuse to lie down.