Europe – Managing The Game

Over the past 4 weeks without playing in Europe Chelsea side grind out results, tear teams apart and also ride their luck and get some fortunate results.

Under the guidance of Conte they are ruthless defensively but also clinical in attack. Danny Murphy identified that they do not have any obvious weakness in their team. He seems to be right.

The 3-5-2 formation is not new but its a formation that can nullify teams and cause problems on the counter attack because in theory in can outnumber a team that plays 4-4-2, 4-3-3 or a 4-5-1. The two wide centre backs are both comfortable on the ball and the goal against Palace at the weekend showed this. The right sided defender pushed forward and then had the quality to delivery a great cross for Costa to score. This resembles an England team in Euro 96, where Gary Neville and Stuart Pearce who both could attack but were also educated to defend properly. Know when to attack and when to defend and with Tony Adams in between they had a leader who could get players where he wanted them.

Attack and Defend

http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/38352990In midfield, they have legs, energy and discipline. They have variety in midfield that means Conte can identify the opposition and arrange his tactics to protect and attack as a team. Then like all good teams, they have the X factor in attack. Hazard and Costa when playing well and extremely hard to keep quiet for 90 minutes. They can change a game in a matter of moments.

The lack of European football has been beneficial and has helped Conte prepare his side for each game and they do look very organised and have a great work ethic. The only thing that seems to be able to stop them is injuries to key men.