What Thiago Silva asked of Enzo Fernandez as the error in his transfer to Chelsea was brought to light during the match against Fulham.
Chelsea got one more point than they did in their previous match against Fulham, but will still be dissatisfied with their attack against the Cottagers as Enzo Fernandez and Noni Madueke made their debuts.
An outstanding rearguard
There have been numerous reasons to criticize Chelsea over the previous six months, but as the season progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult to overlook their defensive record. Only the division’s top three teams — Arsenal, Manchester City, and Newcastle — have conceded fewer than Chelsea’s 21 goals in the same number of Premier League matches.
Kepa Arrizabalaga’s early-season form is evidence of this, but it hasn’t been unusual for the west London club to appear open or susceptible. This is, however, beginning to change.
Thiago Silva continues to be a defensive titan, setting the standard and demanding more from his teammates both with and without the ball. As he brought the ball forward and made sure to let Enzo Fernandez and Benoit Badiashile know, the three dominated Chelsea’s possession.
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The Chelsea veteran, who is certain to extend his contract, which expires at the end of the season, may have found a suitable replacement in Badiashile. The 21-year-old Frenchman has started three consecutive matches and kept three clean sheets while offering aggressive challenges, aerial dominance, and a fine chemistry with Silva. It is unfortunate that he did not make Chelsea’s Champions League roster.
As Chelsea’s spine brought a layer of security that left Kepa Arrizabalaga unchallenged for the majority of the match, Fernandez immediately appears to be a worthwhile purchase.
Time to gel?
“I’m confident with the potential that we have, with the ability that is in the group. What we need to do now is gel the team,” cohesion following his team’s draw. The head coach of Chelsea was pleased with his team’s effort, albeit not their attacking fluency.
To some extent, it is reasonable, as new players were just introduced, some were coming from injury, Hakim Ziyech thought he had left the club days ago, and others are just out of form. Noni Madueke became the 31st Chelsea player to appear in the Premier League this season after making his debut for the club. Arsenal is the only team in the top five European leagues to average fewer than one change per starting XI.
As a result of a busy summer market, Chelsea’s head coach has a plenty of alternatives, as evidenced by the omissions of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, and Lewis Hall from Friday’s matchday squad. With Chelsea securely in the middle of the table and $600 million invested, the players are aware that this situation cannot remain forever.
Kepa stated after the match, “It was not an easy match.” Numerous new players is not an excuse, we must win. We need to win because we are in the middle of the table; we want to be at the top, and we are working towards that goal. We are becoming acquainted, but we must move swiftly because we are in the heart of the season. We have a lot of games left until the conclusion of the season, so we’re hoping the new men can help us become a formidable squad.
“Well, we have to do it [gel. There’s not a long time to do it so we have to do it in the middle of the games. Players like Enzo, like Noni did very well today, they showed their quality, they showed what they can add, It’s time to build, time to know each other, it’s time to get together and to go back against next week.”
Even though there were positives to take away from the game, it was impossible to overlook the difficulties Chelsea faced. Mason Mount, despite creating one of Chelsea’s finest opportunities of the game, was unable to assist in team cohesion often enough and frequently squandered possession in advantageous positions. As new players acclimate, the England international may be relegated to the bench as he struggles to reach his best form.
Mount has frequently been the one to give the attacking coherence that Chelsea lacks in previous seasons when others have failed. If the 24-year-old can rediscover his form, Chelsea’s danger and connection between midfield and attack will improve significantly. It’s a crucial area in which Chelsea are deficient, and Potter must address the issue with Mount.
Kai Havertz, who is commanding Chelsea’s front line, appears unlikely to have a rest. With Aubameyang and David Dalot Fofana absent from Chelsea’s Champions League roster, the club’s manager has committed to the German international. Opportunities missed against Fulham will not benefit the player or coach.
The former Bayer Leverkusen player appeared more comfortable when he went deeper against the Cottagers when Fofana entered the fray in the second period. The 20-year-old who came from Molde in January showed some encouraging sparks during his maiden Premier League appearance but will have been unhappy not to open his account when his attempt was blocked by Tim Ream.
It remains to be seen what will occur with Aubameyang for the balance of the season. The former Arsenal striker was not selected to face Fulham and instead traveled to Milan. Following his disappointment, Potter stated that his charge trained hard and can still fit into Chelsea’s system. His defense of teams playing without a natural forward just twenty-four hours ago hints that it may not be a natural one.
However, he is currently ruled out of contention, highlighting a transfer disaster from the summer. Aubameyang signed a two-year agreement for £12 million on the transfer deadline, but Thomas Tuchel was fired immediately after. At least, the indications from individuals like Fernandez are more optimistic.
