Keep your friends close and frenemies even closer. The two managers in the dugout, hailing from similar paths, have overseen three draws this season. Changes from both men could not split the two teams here, leading to a dramatically bitter finale that keeps alive a fabled dream. Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere. […]
A clash that ought to have taken top billing at the end of the campaign revealed why neither club fulfilled expectations. Where one outfit could not turn their dominance into hegemony, the other was too frail in all aspects of the game to be their equal anywhere but on the scoreline. Tactical analysis and match […]
Chelsea dominated possession and territory in the first half but lacked cutting edge. More attacking intent from West Ham in the second half helped raise the tempo of the game, which ultimately benefited Chelsea. After a missed penalty and West Ham red card, Chelsea eventually got a winner from substitute Christian Pulisic. Tactical analysis and […]
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel revamped his midfield structure at the interval to overcome a difficult first half period and knock London rivals Crystal Palace out of the FA Cup. The results underlines the tactical versatility and astuteness this Chelsea side possess. Tactical analysis and match report by Charles Orchard. February’s close-fought fixture between these two […]
If adversity is the real test of character, then this tie was where Thomas Tuchel’s managerial star could shine. His changes brought Chelsea to the brink of a fairytale comeback, but one should never count out the stardust of the old guard before the referee blasts his final whistle. Tactical analysis and match report by […]
Special nights call for special players. Stamford Bridge set the stage for the rerun of a clash that paved the way to Chelsea’s European glory. But if their triumph spoke to the tactical acumen of Thomas Tuchel, the outcome of this duel was in debt to the brilliance of the world’s best striker. Tactical analysis […]
Amidst the most tangible of ownership-related fiascos so far, Chelsea produced a contrastingly professional first-half performance to shrug off Chris Wilder’s spirited Middlesbrough side and reach a fifth FA Cup semi-final in six seasons. Tactical analysis and match report by Charles Orchard. The ambiguity of this current Chelsea side – which likewise speaks for much […]
Chelsea enjoyed a good start, using the wide areas well to create solutions against Liverpool’s pressing. Liverpool eventually came more into the game thanks to their strengths in transition situations, and the Chelsea central midfield struggled to cover the necessary spaces at times. The two teams both had good spells over the course of the […]
In a crisis, a leader has two primary options: unearth a unique answer, or go back to familiar ideas. Thomas Tuchel has delved deep into both choices, but at home to an outfit wallowing through their own campaign, the return of a back three was the gateway to a routine victory. Tactical analysis and match […]
A combination of a stale set-up and effective Crystal Palace block left Chelsea in another state of stagnation. With a low shot count and sporadic phases of quality, the game was destined for a goalless draw, only for Hakim Ziyech to find space at the back-post to squeeze in a late winner at the game’s […]