All
good things have to come to an end. After an unbeaten run of 18 games, Maurizio
Sarri's side has struggled in both form and confidence.
Sarri
came to the league with a great reputation. His highly attractive and
exhilarating style of play pushed Juventus to the wire as Napoli finished a
close second and won several plaudits last season.
It
was going to be a year of transition and something different for the Chelsea
fans as they have always been known for their pragmatic approach, even in their
best years under Antonio Conte and Jose Mourinho.
‘Sarriball’
as it is popularly called, did succeed in the early part of the season but over
the last few months, it has been more of a ‘Sorryball’.
After
a bright start, Hazard's form has cooled off
League
Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday, through to the Europa League Round
of 16 and still in a battle for a top-four finish in the Premier League, things
can still change for the Blues.
But
where has it gone wrong for Eden Hazard and co. in recent months?
No
flexibility. Predictable. Stubbornness.
When
Kovacic starts, Barkley comes on for the Croat or vice-versa. It has become all
too predictable under Sarri. Chelsea has struggled for consistency in recent
weeks. A 4-0 loss to Bournemouth, then a 6-0 loss to City, most managers would
try to make some changes, but not Sarri.
Some
may call it stubbornness while some may say the players aren't playing the way
he wants them to. But when things aren't going your way then maybe you need to
adapt and so far the Italian has been reluctant to change.
Shaky
defence (particularly Marcos Alonso)
Under
Antonio Conte, Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta were the two standout
performers. But this season, they have been well below average.
Cesar
Azpilicueta has been below par this season
Azpilicueta
has struggled to hit form this season while Alonso has been disappointing thus
far.
Marcos Alonso continues to disappoint under Sarri
Defensively,
Alonso has been absolutely shocking. Antonio Rudiger and David Luiz have been
good with the ball while Gary Cahill has been completely shut out after the arrival
of Sarri. Maybe a change in the system is required, for the time being.
Jorginho
has struggled with the pace and physicality of the Premier League
The
epitome of Sarriball. One of the main tasks of Jorginho is to keep the ball
moving, something which he has managed to do but without much effect.
Give
him time and space, he will punish you but what sets the Premier League apart
from the Serie A is the pace of the league. He has struggled against the big
teams this season as he is weak defensively and opposition midfielders run past
him with ease.
With
most teams having decoded the Sarriball, Chelsea needs to make some changes.
Soon.
Kante
out of position
World
cup winner. Two-time Premier League winner. How could you play one of the best
defensive midfielders in the world out of position? With Kante being deployed
further forward, any cover for Jorginho is gone. As a result, Chelsea always
falters when Jorginho is under pressure.
Sarri
recently revealed that he needs a player who moves the ball fast in that
position, which isn't a characteristic that Kante possesses. But with Jorginho
being overrun consistently in the midfield, it may be time for Sarri to bring
Kante back to his best position.
