Eight And Half Ball

Game Moments

Hello! Today, I’ll be analyzing the key moments, and overall performance from the Leicester vs. Chelsea game.

Leicester started the game with a 5-3-2 low-block defensive structure. On the other hand, Chelsea provided width through Cucurella and Madueke, making use of the side lines. In the early stages of the first half, Chelsea dominated possession. They utilized a 3-1-4-1 formation during their build-up play, with Félix occupying the left half-space and Enzo Fernández taking up positions in the right half-space. This allowed Palmer to operate in more central areas. Cucurella stayed wide, creating space between Faes and Justin for Félix to exploit. Additionally, Badiashile frequently switched play with long diagonal passes to Madueke to quickly alter the direction of Chelsea’s attack.

The first 15 minutes Chelsea control the game and tempo. Leicester, meanwhile, avoided building from the back and opted for long passes due to Chelsea’s high pressing. Jackson led Chelsea’s press, aiming to direct Leicester’s play towards the left side. This pressing strategy paid off in the 15th minute, as Faes made a crucial mistake under pressure from Jackson, allowing Chelsea to score the opening goal following a recycled ball from a goal kick.

Throughout the game, Leicester struggled with individual errors and lapses in concentration, which significantly cost them. After Chelsea’s goal, Leicester managed to have more possession in the latter part of the first half. However, Chelsea’s defensive organization limited Leicester’s ability to create clear opportunities.

When Leicester applied their high press, Chelsea maintained their structure and relied on Cucurella to provide width. While Leicester occasionally succeeded with their press, their players often failed to stay compact, allowing Chelsea to build up play comfortably. By the end of the first half, Leicester generated a few threatening moments but lacked the final touch to capitalize on their chances.

Second Half Performance

Both teams resumed the second half as they left off. Chelsea controlled the tempo, sitting deeper and relying on direct counter-attacks to create danger. Leicester attempted to press high in the first 20 minutes of the second half but failed to achieve much due to their disorganized press and continued individual mistakes. Chelsea created a few dangerous opportunities, including one where Madueke inadvertently blocked Palmer’s shot, which could have made it 2-0 much earlier.

Chelsea dictated the pace of the second half, with Enzo playing a key role in both pressing and attacking phases. When Chelsea pressed higher up, Enzo supported Jackson and continued the press, often breaking forward into the right half-space. Palmer’s positioning in central areas also gave Enzo the freedom to make attacking runs. Chelsea’s second goal came from Cucurella’s cross, which fell to Enzo after a poor clearance. Despite Leicester’s numerical advantage in the box, Enzo capitalized on Faes’ misjudgment to score.

Late in the game, Leicester capitalized on Chelsea’s defensive line, which had been an issue all season under Maresca’s management. As seen in their match against Arsenal, Chelsea’s high defensive line on the edge of the 18-yard box allowed Leicester to exploit gaps. In the final minutes, Reid made a smart run between Colwill and Badiashile, winning a penalty that brought Leicester back to 2-1. Despite the late goal, Leicester couldn’t create further chances to equalize.

Final Thoughts

Chelsea’s defensive setup, particularly their high line, has been a recurring concern. Even in their midweek game against Heidenheim, the same strategy allowed their opponents multiple opportunities. What are your thoughts on Chelsea’s defensive approach and their reliance on a high line?