Are Set-Pieces Becoming a Major Problem for Chelsea?

In their analysis of the 2-2 draw between Chelsea and Bournemouth, pundits Danny Murphy and Rob Green highlighted key defensive shortcomings for Chelsea, particularly in handling set pieces. They noted that Chelsea's failure to effectively defend against corner kicks and free kicks allowed Bournemouth to capitalise and score crucial goals.

Last updated: 21 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Following the intense match, Chelsea's defensive frailties have come under scrutiny, signalling potential issues that might affect their performance in upcoming fixtures. The draw leaves Chelsea in a precarious position within the league, raising questions about their ability to secure points against lower-ranked teams.

Key takeaways

• Chelsea struggled to defend set pieces, leading to two Bournemouth goals.
• Both pundits emphasised the need for better organisation during defensive situations.
• The draw impacts Chelsea's standings in the league, highlighting a need for improvement.

Timeline: how we got here

Since the start of the 2023/24 Premier League season, Chelsea has experienced a rollercoaster of results. Key dates include:

• August 2023: Season kickoff with mixed results in early matches.
• September 2023: Continued struggles in defence lead to dropped points.
• 21 October 2023: Draw against Bournemouth, exposing set-piece vulnerabilities.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The match against Bournemouth revealed specific weaknesses in Chelsea's defence, particularly how they deal with set pieces. Analysts like Murphy and Green pointed out that the team's organisation needs significant work.

What was already established

Prior to this match, Chelsea's defence had been a topic of concern, with previous games showing signs of lapses in concentration and organisation. The draw against Bournemouth merely reinforced these ongoing issues.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The implications of Chelsea's performance extend beyond the pitch. Fans may reconsider their commitment to attending matches or purchasing merchandise if the team's form does not improve.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses that rely on match-day revenues could be affected by lower turnout if Chelsea continues to struggle. Additionally, there's pressure on coaching staff to improve defensive training and tactics.

Policy and regulation

While not directly impacting policy, Chelsea's ongoing issues may prompt discussions at the club about investing in player training or recruitment to bolster the defence.

Numbers that matter

• 2 goals conceded from set pieces against Bournemouth.
• 50% success rate on corners for Chelsea during the match.
• Current league position: 8th, with 12 points from 10 matches.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Set pieces: Situations where play is restarted after a stoppage, such as corners or free kicks, often leading to scoring opportunities.
• Defensive organisation: The strategy and arrangement of players to effectively prevent the opposing team from scoring.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Chelsea will need to address their defensive issues promptly, with upcoming matches posing further challenges. Coaching staff may implement new drills focused on set-piece defence.

Medium term (1–6 months)

If Chelsea fails to resolve their defensive weaknesses, it could impact their aspirations for European competition next season. Consistent performances will be vital to maintain fan support.

Signals to watch

• Upcoming fixtures against top teams that may exploit defensive frailties.
• Changes in coaching staff or tactics following poor performances.

Practical guidance

Do

• Focus on improving team communication during defensive drills.
• Analyse match footage to identify specific defensive breakdowns.

Don’t

• Ignore the importance of set-piece training in practice sessions.
• Assume that past performances will not affect future results.

Checklist

• Review recent match footage for defensive errors.
• Hold team meetings to discuss organisational strategies during set pieces.
• Incorporate feedback from pundits and analysts into training sessions.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Chelsea's current defensive issues are evident, the potential for improvement exists with focused training and tactical adjustments. However, any changes made must be implemented swiftly to avoid further loss of points in future matches.

Bottom line

Chelsea's 2-2 draw against Bournemouth highlights critical areas for improvement, particularly in set-piece defence. Addressing these issues will be essential for the team's aspirations this season, as consistent performances are necessary to maintain their competitive edge in the league.

FAQs

What were Chelsea's main issues in the draw against Bournemouth?

Chelsea struggled defensively, particularly in set pieces, leading to two goals for Bournemouth and highlighting a lack of organisation in their defence.

How does this draw affect Chelsea's league position?

The draw leaves Chelsea in 8th place with 12 points after 10 matches, impacting their chances of competing for European spots.

What can Chelsea do to improve their defence?

Chelsea can focus on improving set-piece training, enhancing team communication, and analysing match footage to address specific defensive errors.