The loss of N’Golo Kante to injury was always going to hurt Chelsea – it always does. But we didn’t expect his absence to be exploited this entirely and this quickly.
The Frenchman missed out today and was replaced by Conor Gallagher alongside Jorginho in midfield.
The pair were utterly overrun from early on, and their passing statistics show just how badly.
Gallagher ended the game with 73.3% completed passes, Jorginho 84%. Both would look for numbers in the high 80s or 90s normally.
Leeds’ press was well organised, energetic and intense, and the pair just couldn’t handle it.
We still think they can succeed as a duo in the future, but this was not the game to debut them, that’s for sure. This was no fluke, this was pure tactical domination of the game by the home side.
We would love to see our side pressing like that, but with Jorginho in the side, we’re not sure it’s possible.
Very good analysis, but this shows how unprepared Tuchel is. In the window that was opened, clubs were busy filling in the positions that they needed formidable and tactical players that can give them the needed results for the season but Chelsea felt sufficient enough. Now this is result. I bet you that Chelsea won’t make top 4 this season if they continue like this. Did you observe the intensity of Leeds team, Chelsea couldn’t match them at all. Above all no top class striker to deliver when the need arises even like today..
Sterling in my understanding is a wrong investment. I expected the Chelsea management to go for a striker. We have surplus talents in the wings. Fofana again is too expensive. They are a lot of other premiership defenders far better and cheaper. The board should think twice.