Chelsea so far have enjoyed a near-perfect start to the season, winning their first four league games. They are now sitting on top of the table, level on points with Liverpool and Watford. They are not favourites to fight for the title in Maurizio Sarri’s first season, but the bright start should bring a sense of hope and optimism among the Blues faithful.
However, we for one, believe they would struggle to continue this run for long and two players are going to be behind this, viz. David Luiz and Marcos Alonso. Take that as an early prediction call from us.
The Blues wanted to sign quite a few defenders in the summer, but Sarri had to inherit the same defensive unit which finished 5th under Antonio Conte last season. As everyone would remember, David Luiz was out of favour under the former Italian manager. But Sarri is happy to trust him, and if one looks at the results so far, it seems to be the right decision, as the Brazilian has helped the Blues record four wins on the spin early this season.
However, there is more to it than what meets the eye and Luiz could well be one of the primary reasons for their downfall. One needs to see his contribution to Newcastle United’s equaliser on Chelsea’s trip to St James’ Park earlier this season. The 31-year old was caught on his heels while waiting for the ball as Spanish striker Joselu stepped forward and scored past the haplessly watching Brazilian. The Pensioners were lucky to score an own goal late in the game and got away with it in the end.
Gary Cahill hasn’t featured even once in the matchday squad, and many consider him past his prime, but he is just a year older than Luiz. The Brazilian’s ball playing abilities is the reason why he is currently preferred ahead of the Englishman. But this would mean that the Blues fans should brace themselves to see their side concede sloppy goals time and again, as long as Luiz starts in the backline. There seems to be a sense of cockiness about his game, and it is not long before he puts his team in trouble in a crunch game.
On the other hand, there is Marcos Alonso. If one picks out his stats for this season, it would say four appearances, four assists and one goal. Those are numbers an attacking midfielder or a winger would be proud of, but Alonso happens to be a left back. Goals and assists make him a good option in the FPL, but defensively, he is easy to be picked off, especially against strong teams.
There were numerous occasions against Arsenal when he was found out of position at the back. He hardly pressed their wide men which left the Blues vulnerable on his side of the field. It’s clear that he loves to venture forward and attack, but the left-back should also take some responsibility of adding some steel to the backline. With two frailties in their backline, it is hard to see Chelsea push Manchester City and Liverpool to the league title this season.
