In the first game of the New Year, Steve Cooper’s side fought back to gain a point against a Graham Potter’s men. Here is what we learnt today :
Creativity Issues, System or Players?
A team boasting of total control and ball possession for majority of the game, it was a painful watch for Chelsea fans as the Blues toiled aimlessly while looking for a goal.
Despite 72% ball possession and 602 passes all game long, Chelsea could only muster 2 big chances with an expected goal ratio of 0.94. Playing in a 4-2-3-1 system just as against Bournemouth, Potter made only one change from the game against the Cherries with Azpilicueta coming in for the injured James but just as on Boxing Day, Chelsea started the game brightly but fazed off gradually as the game went on.
With Steve Cooper adopting a deep-block, Chelsea were left bereft of ideas with the central defenders having the bulk of possession but with little or no options across the frontline.
Despite the goal in the first half, the Blues were no where close to fully stamping their authority as chances were very few and far between all through the first half with an expected goal ratio of 0.68 in the first half. Seeking to change the tide of the game, Potter rang the changes but still with little to no effect as Forest relatively eased out the game.
Gallagher not up to par :
Coming off a brilliant 2021/2022 season while on loan for Palace, Gallagher was expected to put up a good fight for a place in Chelsea’s first team but each passing game pretty much sums up why many felt Chelsea should have cashed in on the Cobham product.
Coming off the bench in the past two games, Conor Gallagher has failed to have an impact in both games and doesn’t seem suited to the coach’s favoured patterns. Playing as one of the pivot or further forward as a number 10, Gallagher doesn’t effect the game well enough in both positions and with a midfield rebuild widely mooted, it is going to be a wise move to have Gallagher leave for a good amount of cash while replacements are fast tracked into the team.
Sterling Struggles :
A player meant to be the “Leader” of the attack, it remains baffling to see how badly Sterling struggles to impact games. Playing on the right hand side of the attack, Sterling looked lost in attack with every touch he took taking him backwards, facing his own goal.
Despite his goal, Sterling was only a mere on-looker for most parts before he got hooked off.
Losing the ball most times of any player on the pitch with 7, completing no dribble with over 70 minutes on the pitch, Sterling frustrated many who watched on with expectations of great things from him.
With Fofana and Nkunku joining the team in a little time from now, Sterling has to regain his good form or find himself struggling for a place in the team.
Zakaria fails to take his chance :
Coming off for Mateo Kovaciç was a change that signified the return to a bench for Dennis Zakaria after another average performance. Playing as the box-to-box midfielder today, Zakaria failed to have any impact whatsoever on the game as Forest stifled the midfield.
Using his body well on occasions was one bright spark of Zakaria’s game tonight but his variety of passes and execution were a huge let down. Looking to stamp his physical presence on the Forest team, Zakaria did well to help out defensively and won both duels he contested but his impact when in possession were his major let down. Zakaria is expected to have an extended time on the bench now with the return of Mateo.
Man of the Match : Marc Cucurella- 8/10
Next up for Chelsea is Manchester City in the league.
