Tag Archives: Chelsea

Premier League: Two tactical talking points from Matchday 10

Alan O’Brien 

1) 5-3-2, the counter-attacking formation-du-jour

Ever the tactical trendsetter, Chelsea’s Antonio Conte has done it again. Last season’s switch to 3-4-2-1, that inspired a title-grabbing 13-game winning run, was shamelessly copycatted across the Premier Division; most notably by London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur. Continue reading →

Analysis: Conte change unclutters the centre for City

Alan O’Brien 

Surely even Pep Guardiola did not imagine the success Fabian Delph’s unusual instructions would engender. Designed, presumably, to copper-fasten Manchester City’s customary possession-dominance, Delph’s turn as an inside-left-back also tempted Antonio Conte into the tactical call that cost Chelsea this game. Continue reading →

Liverpool 0-2 Chelsea

Starting lineups

  • Liverpool started in a 4-3-2-1 shape, with the same personnel that narrowly overcame Norwich on Easter Sunday. Both Raheem Sterling and Philippe Coutinho were looking to play between the lines behind lone striker Luis Suarez.
  • Chelsea fielded a variation of the system that stymied Atletico in midweek. Mikel was the anchorman in a 4-1-4-1 on Tuesday night. Here he was joined by Nemanja Matic in a 4-4-1-1 with Frank Lampard surprisingly fielded just in front of the two, ostensibly in the number ten position.

Continue reading →