Chelsea had a magnificent first month of football post lockdown, but the start of July has brought many fans back down to earth after the humbling 3-2 loss to West Ham United at the London Stadium.
The three wins prior against Aston Villa, Manchester City and Leicester put Frank Lampard’s side in particularly good stead to finish in the top four places. The gaffer has even been touted for manager of the month award after the applaudable performances.
Manchester United and Wolves are hot on the heels of Chelsea with both teams being two points behind the Blues. Stamford Bridge will host Watford on Saturday night and it is simply a case of must win for Lampard.
There is bound to be changes for tomorrow’s night's game with the underwhelming performance in East London. The set-piece brilliance of Willian saved further humiliation for Chelsea with minimal chances all night. A first half chance from Christian Pulisic and a second half chance from Olivier Giroud may only make the highlight reel except from the goals.
The Defence
The Chelsea backline has been underwhelming all season. The inability to defend set pieces has been worrying all campaign and West Ham was a further example. The controversial VAR decision at 0-0 was a let off, but the actual goal from Tomas Soucek restored his pride after it was his header that was ruled out minutes before. It was a let off for Chelsea, but they did not learn their lesson.
Kepa
Cesar Azpilicueta
Kurt Zouma
Marcos Alonso
You could make a case for any of the backline to be replaced against Watford. Conceding three goals to a relegation threatened side is unacceptable for a team fighting for Europe’s elite.
Kepa has already been dropped this season after a string of poor performances but he is the best the club has. Willy Caballero has been called upon when needed but he is, at best, a backup goalkeeper for a top four club.
Zouma played against Leicester City in the F.A. Cup and the French defender shown promising signs. Christensen or Rudiger could be dropped against the Hertfordshire club with Zouma waiting to impress. The continued lack of defensive care comes from Chelsea not having a commanding centre-back, something that needs to change in the upcoming transfer window.
The Midfield
By far Chelsea’s strongest area on the field. The options are endless and the choice between experience and youth are delightful. Billy Gilmour was on the lips of all fans after his performances before the lockdown but his start against Leicester in the F.A. Cup shown he is still premature to constant first team football.
Mason Mount
Jorginho
N’Golo Kante
Mount was rested against West Ham during midweek. The youngster has played in every Premier League game for Chelsea this season and the midfielder was due a breather. His presence was missed for sure. His off the ball running, and energy often goes unnoticed, but his absence shows what he brings to the side.
Jorginho has been serving a suspension post lockdown, despite being on the bench against West Ham the Italian did not feature. The number five’s ability to control a game is often highly effective for Chelsea. A return to the side against Watford could be on the cards due to the different approach it brings.
The Attack
The wide players pick themselves from their recent performances. Pulisic has been Chelsea’s best player post lockdown after his five-star showings against Villa and Man City. Whilst Willian scored two against West Ham and scored the decisive penalty against The Cityzens.
Christian Pulisic
The number nine position has been up for debate for a while since Olivier Giroud returned to the side in early 2020. Abraham is the clubs highest goal scorer this season on 15 but the role of hold up play has meant Lampard opted for Giroud in two out of the three Premier League games.
Abraham has been nursing an injury this season and his spell out of the side shown his lack of match sharpness against The Hammers. It is time for Abraham to get amongst the goals again, the earlier season fixture against Watford saw the number nine on the scoresheet. The forward will be hoping Saturday night will show déjà vu in netting for his lifelong club and gaining maximum points.