Chelsea’s low possession stats aren’t a problem in themselves, but they may be contributing to the team’s horrible defending.
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It was noted earlier in the season that Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea team were picking up far lower possession stats than the Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior teams of last season.
After 5 games, it’s pretty stark. The Blues have averaged 47.1%, putting them 12th in the league. Aston Villa are the only team expected to compete for a Champions League place who have averaged less.
Meanwhile the likes of Tottenham, Man U, Man City, Arsenal and Liverpool are all averaging numbers in the high 50s and 60s. Last season we finished the year in 8th, with more than 10% more possession than we average now.
Chelsea’s possession problems feed into defensive issues
We enjoy watching a team which attacks dynamically and aggressively and isn’t worried about keeping the ball. But it’s hard to not draw a connection between our inability to defend and a lack of ability to control the game for long periods. There’s no need to get this stat from 12th to 1st, but getting it higher will almost certainly help our results in the long run.
In other news…
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Chelsea are targeting a defender, and another new name is that of a former Liverpool playing now shining in the Bundesliga.
John Terry has seen things he likes in this new Chelsea team, but still reckons they will be miles off Arsenal at the top of the table come May.
