Saturday afternoon, news of a preeminent sale of the club and Burnley stood firmly between Chelsea and three points at a windy Turf Moor. The game against the bottom-half side saw Chelsea face a tricky test with Burnley often proving a hard customer against top sides as shown in recent matches against Liverpool and Manchester United.That sort of struggle encountered by visiting big teams at Turf Moor seemed to be the case once again as Chelsea struggled in the first half and could only count themselves lucky not to concede in the first period with Thiago preserving the blues’ clean-sheet with a goal-line clearance and McNeil losing composure when Mendy’s mis-punch found its way to him.
Burnley’s low-block proved too difficult to break down for Chelsea and only an action of immense individual quality from Reece James saw Chelsea go in front.As a result of the goal, Burnley opened up and that led to the flood gates thrown open with three (3) goals following in quick secession. Four goals at the end of the match, three points and a 10th clean sheet for Mendy in the premier league. Here are 5 lessons learnt at Turf Moor;
Slow starts becoming a norm
As observed in recent matches, Chelsea once again started slow here in Lancashire and only escaped being punished by the Burnley players.The first half saw very little efforts at goal with Rudiger twice forced to take things into his hands and therefore testing the goalkeeper from 26 yards out on a couple of occasions.The team played so flat and sluggish in possession which allowed Burnley to regroup whenever out of possession and that sort of increased their confidence which led to decent opportunities fashioned in phases on the counter attack.Chelsea have been guilty of being lukewarm in the opening stages of matches in recent days and that could hamper our chances of killing of games early to avoid unnecessary points drop and also to afford key players the chance to rest and help prevent niggles and injuries.
Mount struggles again
Fan-favorite, Mason Mount once again struggled to have any solid impact in the game against Burnley but his application and desire to work for the team remains undiluted.Mason Mount so far this season has contributed 7 goals and 8 assist with his last goal coming as far back as the game against Everton in December last year.Mason has struggled for form and consistency in recent seasons and that is understandable as a new young player in a team of world stars but considering his reputation as a regular since Tuchel took charge, Mount has been bestowed with greater responsibilities and needs to start producing the numbers just the same way he produces the performances.It is easy to turn a blind eye to the drop in form and influence Mount has had in recent games considering how much input he delivers on the pitch but football has gone from the mere play on the pitch to being a game of statistics.
Mason is struggling but unrelenting!
Tuchel solves another tactical problem
German manager and coach of Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel has become a fan-favorite owing to how well he has handled the press in the wake of the dilemma facing the club and its owner, Roman Abramovich.Tuchel has show he’s adept when confronting the press but his tactical nous and ability to influence a game leaves one with no doubt.At the wake of the low-block utilized by Burnley, Tuchel went in at halftime with a lot to ponder upon and boy did he find a solution.Just as a calculator would offer a solution to any arithmetic problem, Tuchel solved the problem of a low-block in the second half and that opened the floodgates for goals to pour in.The switch from a front one with Kai alone up top in the half, Tuchel made the decision to play with more width as James and Saul took very wide positions and that allowed Mount and Kante more spaces to operate as a “double 8” with the Burnley defenders having to move wide to stop both wing-backs.The first goal did arrive in that way as James had a big say with his new high and wide position on the right.Another tactical masterclass from our beloved coach!
Kai finally justifying price tag
Chelsea third record signing, Kai Harvertz is fast becoming the go-to guy for the blues with his brilliant form in front of goal bearing good fruits.Kai has always been a player endowed with incredible ability and that immense talent is becoming more and more evident.Against Burnley, Kai played as the focal point again and his movement, pressing, nice link-up play with teammates were all on show.Kai bagged two goals with both being a true poacher’s finish with his clever movement affording him space for a sweet header for the first goal and the second saw him at the right place and time.Tuchel did acknowledge Kai’s improvement and praised his input against different sorts of opposition.King Kai reigns high!
Reece James is integral to Chelsea
England international, Reece James has been regarded as one for the future since breaking through but how important is he to the present?Immensely important is the answer!Since James got injured in the match against Brighton, Chelsea’s usual threat down the right side of attack diminished to the minimum and his absence was greatly felt.Fast forward to the last match at Turf Moor, James back to his feet and fully fit, evidence of what Chelsea had missed came to the full realization of fans and analysts alike.With the game at a deadlock, James found himself in the box with four clarets defenders before him and in reminiscence of Eden Harzard, James tricked the four defenders, turned them inside-out and let fly into the bottom corner.Few minutes after that brilliant solo effort, James laid on an assist to Kai and his influence was firmly stamped on the match.James’ power, pace and attacking input has led him to scoring 5 goals and registering 6 assists in 17 matches. James is BACK! 💪
Man of the match: Kai Harvertz 10/10
