Chelsea’s defense is the only department in Maurizio Sarri’s team that prompts calls for concern despite the Blues matured display so far in the Premier League.
Sarri’s side are still unbeaten in all competitions and stand a good chance of challenging the biggest opposition to the title. The Stamford Bridge side sit second in the standings with 27 points and a fine goal difference of 19 that puts them above Liverpool. But their defence needs a bit of shakeup or the personnel would need to get their acts together quickly after they were again exposed by the pace of Palace forward Wilfred Zaha.
The Ivory Coast international looked bright right from the beginning and could have had a goal or two or provided a few more assists had he gotten more help from his teammates.
But the problem here for Sarri is how his defence failed to cope with the pace of the winger who clearly was on a different level to his teammates and Sarri admits this.
Sarri asked why Chelsea struggled with Zaha's pace: "Because Zaha is very fast." *Laughter* #CFC #CHECRY
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) November 4, 2018
Sarri on defensive struggles: "When we lost the ball we were in trouble. We gave them spaces to attack, especially him. It is not easy to run with Zaha in the wrong place." #CFC #CHECRY
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) November 4, 2018
