Chelsea suffered their first defeat of the season at the London Stadium with the Blues losing 3-1 to West Ham. Enzo Fernandez missed a penalty and Moises Caicedo conceded a penalty as Chelsea failed to build on last week’s positive draw against Liverpool. Here are five things we learnt from Mauricio Pochettino’s first loss as Chelsea boss.
Chelsea have a long way to go…
Embed from Getty ImagesOn an afternoon where they looked lively against Liverpool, their performance against West Ham was almost the polar opposite. Lots of possession especially with a man advantage, but struggled to create clear cut chances in the second half. They didn’t make it easy for themselves though with Enzo Fernandez having his penalty saved by Alphonse Areola. The introduction of Moises Caicedo amongst others did little to change the Blues’ fortunes. It was always going to be hard for Pochettino to steady the ship after last season with the addition of multiple expensive signings. A first half display which had promise was partnered with a second half performance which was lacklustre. A lot of credit has to go to West Ham who were fantastic, and held out impressively with ten men.
Defensive woes from Chelsea
Embed from Getty ImagesChelsea started the game with what looked like a back three/five with wing backs in Ben Chilwell and Malo Gusto. It seems their defence still needs some time to gel, with Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi still trying to get to know each other alongside Thiago Silva. Record signing Moises Caicedo came off the bench, Chelsea switched to a back four, with Colwill occupying at left-back. It seems there are still some teething issues in these early stages on the season. Chelsea conceded from a set-piece, and had Michail Antonio running them ragged. Chelsea may need time to establish a settled defence, but that could cost them early points, which they can’t afford to miss out on.
Raheem Sterling is finding his form again
Embed from Getty ImagesIt is fair to say that Sterling didn’t have the best season at Chelsea in 22/23 with a 12th place finish, and too many changes on and off the pitch. In the first two games of this season, there’s been a real change in Sterling’s game. Pochettino has got him playing with confidence. The hunger and desire is there, and he’s not afraid to take on his man and he is certainly looking like his old self. With Gareth Southgate watching on, and a European Championship at the end of the season, if Sterling keeps up this form, and chips in with a few goals, he could well be on that plane. He was a shining light in a poor Chelsea performance.
Mykhalio Mudryk is still not justifying his price tag
Embed from Getty ImagesChristopher Nkunku picked an unfortunate injury during pre-season, which has delayed the Frenchmen’s awaited debut after signing from RB Leipzig. Chukwuemeka has picked up the mantle and looked incredibly encouraging, scoring a wonderful equaliser against West Ham. He then hobbled off was an injury on the stroke of half-time. Mudryk replaced Chukwuemeka and failed to make an impact, again. Blessed with pace, but his end product left a lot to be desired. £80M was the fee, and he has yet to score for Chelsea. Worrying.
James Ward-Prowse set-piece deliveries could make the difference
Embed from Getty ImagesIt only took seven minutes into his debut, and Ward-Prowse came up with an assist for Nayef Aguerd. A beautifully floated corner from the former Saint, was met by the Moroccan. Ward-Prowse’s set pieces, and his delivery could make West Ham a far greater threat from dead ball situations. Ward-Prowse is known for his deadly free-kicks, yet with the threats from Tomas Soucek, Aguerd and Kurt Zouma, Ward-Prowse will have plenty to aim for from corners and free-kicks, as demonstrated by the opening goal against Chelsea.
