Top of the League but there are still areas of concern for Thomas Tuchel's Chelsea.

Despite Chelsea’s unexpected Champions League success under Thomas Tuchel last season, there were times of real frustration as we failed to take chances to gain an advantage over our rivals when they were presented to us. Just over three months into this season there has already been evidence that the same issues remain. 

It’s not all doom and gloom as we currently sit top of the Premier League. For the most part, we have been good and have overcome the issue with a lack of goals that hampered our season. Coupled with an excellent defensive record currently, just four goals conceded, the general feeling is that there is still plenty more to come especially looking forward to the return to fitness of Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner. 

However, we must acknowledge the disappointing games against Manchester City, Juventus, and most recently the draw at Stamford Bridge against Burnley as a clear indication that the same issues we had last season could hamper our title challenge and the defence of our Champions League trophy this time around.

Looking at the two Premier League games mentioned, starting with Manchester City, I could not understand our tactical approach in the game. You would have been more likely to place unsuccessful bets at casino australia than bet against Chelsea heading into the game with the way we had been playing.

We came into the game off the back of three straight victories against them and should have approached the game on the front foot and attack at every opportunity as we normally do. It was a chance to extend our points advantage which would have been massive this early in the season. We sat back, allowed City to dominate the ball and we paid for it by losing the game 0-1. 

Burnley last weekend, we dominate the game, we waste numerous chances to score two or three goals to put the game to bed and seal another three points, and what happens? We get sucker-punched by the visitors and we drop two points. That’s five points lost in two games!

Now, look at the Juventus game in the Champions League – one of two pivotal games against them to dictate who will win the group and get the favorable draw in the next round. 

Juventus set themselves up to play on the counterattack being aware of Chelsea’s attacking threat. They sit deep and encourage Chelsea to push up onto their defensive line. We do exactly that and make it easy for them to defend against with no tactical change from the manager to try and force the game. We also lose this one 0-1. 

All three games were there for the taking and for whatever reason, we didn’t play anywhere near our best and have been made to pay for it. The examples of these games are a concern for me because we need to come up with answers as, without a doubt, we will face the same problems again moving forward.