Chelsea: two weaknesses exposed against Arsenal could hurt before PSG clash | OneFootball

As Chelsea is the opponent of Paris Saint-Germain in the round of 16 of the 2025-2026 Champions League (March 11 and 17), we will keep an eye on the Blues' performance until the return match. This Sunday, they faced Arsenal in the Premier League and were defeated 2-1. Let's delve into a somewhat mixed performance.

Starting Line-up: 4231

Joao Pedro

Neto – Fernandez – Palmer

Andrey Santos – Caicedo

Hato – Chabolah – Sarr – James

Sanchez

Chelsea shows an ability to hold their own in a big match, notably through crosses and plays initiated by Reece James, but they are punished by a classic European scenario: set pieces and managing the box (two goals conceded from corners/similar situations, with Timber taking advantage of a lapse with Sánchez). At this level, you give PSG ammunition: create chaos, pile on the corners, attack the area. Chelsea also sabotages itself with discipline: Neto's red card cuts them off at a time when they needed to resist and keep believing.

Arsenal won on a simple fact: corners decided the match (Saliba, own goal by Hincapié, Timber). PSG should therefore play "usefully": cross, force deflections, seek out counters/duels that lead to corners. It's a projection, but it's based on a fact: Chelsea struggled in their box during these phases.

Arsenal didn't need a perfect match: they capitalized on moments and second balls during set pieces. PSG should adopt a "robotic" plan: density in the area, aggressiveness on the rebound, and repetition. In a two-legged tie, this wins qualifications. Tactical inference, but consistent with the match's progression.

The own goal that reignites Chelsea comes from a corner taken by Reece James. PSG should therefore limit his crosses and prevent him from positioning high, as he is a direct launch pad towards the Parisian box. Projection, but the basic fact is clear: James was a concrete trigger.

Chelsea finishes with 10 men after Pedro Neto's expulsion (second yellow), at a moment when they needed to hold on and push. PSG should aim to increase emotional pressure: provoke defensive runs, repeated duels, transitions where fouls are necessary. Projection, but the "discipline" vulnerability existed in this match.

On the 2-1, one thing is very clear: Chelsea is not clean in their box on corners. The ball floats, they get in each other's way, the goalkeeper hesitates/attacks the area poorly, and Timber takes advantage in the density. PSG should therefore insist: series of corners, driven balls to the heart of the 6-yard box, players in duels and especially massive presence on the second ball. In a two-legged tie, you're not looking for "the beautiful": you're looking for the repetition of a situation that causes doubt.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.