How Xabi Alonso’s formation decision is making defending even harder for struggling Chelsea | OneFootball

Chelsea’s dreadful defending is a major issue, and one that has pervaded multiple coaches and defensive setups. So what’s going wrong?

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For a moment it looked like Chelsea were going into this international break on a high. Even defeat against Arsenal showed some positive qualities from the Blues. But instead, three games without a win have put them into a negative spin. Hence the long read from the Athletic this week about why we’re so bad at defending.

Liam Twomey’s piece makes difficult reading, but does explain some of why we’re so bad.

The major formation factors behind Chelsea’s defensive struggles

(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

There are a few tactical notes that Twomey has made – firstly the front line. They play narrow, which helps them when we win the ball, but means they can only contribute in a limited way defensively.

Their centrality in turn draws up the wing backs, leaving space behind them. That has been exposed a number of times in the last weeks.

The Blues are also low down in the pressing indicators like Passes Per Defensive Action – it’s just not as feasible to press intensely from this sort of shape.

Another factor noted is a lack of possession. The Blues have averaged below 50% possession in their first 5 games.

It’s also noted that Chelsea are easily forced into kicking long from their goalkeeper – and they then lose the battle for the high ball.

In other news…

Tayo Subuloye has impressed mightily at youth level, and is closer to a senior move than one might have thought, according to the BBC.