1 – Their right flank is still where Chelsea can be got at
With Ivanović surging forward incessantly and Willian being forced to track back to make up the numbers in defence, problems can often occur here. Coupled with the fact that right-sided centre back Gary Cahill is often a little too hesitant at times, this is definitely the Blues’ problem area.
It was exploited in the 5-3 drubbing away to Spurs back in January 2015 and Swansea did the same today. The high pressing and fast ball circulation kept the whole team worried, but the left-sided double act of Montero and Taylor gave Chelsea the biggest of problems. If there is improvement to be made in this title-winning Chelsea side, this is where it the focus should be on.
A team that prides itself on its defensive solidity and ability to cope with waves after waves of attacks, Chelsea should be looking to fix this problem before this achilles heel is spotted and picked apart by teams aplenty.
2 – Chelsea still have “the stuff of champions”
Source: chelseafc.com
This has been said time and time again about champions – they make their own luck. Being able to make something out of nothing is a key aspect in a successful title challenge and is something that all world class teams always possess.
Willian’s goal on the day was a prime example of this. A cross into the box heading towards two man-marked Chelsea attackers, blocked by Fernandez, sailing over keeper Fabianski and dipping into the net. This is something that the Blues showcased throughout the whole of last season – good fortune acting as an extra man at times.
In a game that turned out to be displeasing for Chelsea fans, this silver lining may be the thing that makes the difference over the course of a season, as it has so very often in title challenges gone by (yes Fergie, we’re looking at you).
3 – Swansea could well be the dark horses (er, swans) this season
Source: chelseafc.com
Playing away at a stadium which they haven’t scored a point at since 1980, this will surely go down as one of Swansea’s better performances when we look back at the season come May. Chelsea hammered them 4-2 here last season (and 5-0 away from home), so a 2-2 draw will be a point the Swans will be happy to take.
One thing of note from last season is that Swansea were the only team to score more than one goal at Stamford Bridge in the league. Repeating the feat this year, perhaps that will set the tone for their season.
Manager Garry Monk has just come back from the summer interim after a first whole season in charge and looks to be making the most of everything this season. New signing Andre Ayew has settled into the Premier League well so far and looks impressive to say the least. Unbeaten in pre-season and starting off 2015-16 with a flyer, this could be a sign of good things to come for Swansea fans.
With that being said, it is only the first week of Premier League football this season, and there’s everything still to play for. Chelsea have time to recover from this and make any necessary changes to the squad. Swansea will have a lot to do if they wish to develop into a team challenging for a top 8 place (or even a European place potentially), though early signs can provide the Jacks with a healthy dose of optimism.
Chelsea’s next fixture is a clash that they will face without world class goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois following his sending off, against Manchester City at The Etihad on 16th August. Meanwhile, Swansea play at home to Newcastle United on 15th August.
Jamie Wilkins
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- Three Things We Learned From Chelsea 2-2 Swansea - August 9, 2015