Xabi Alonso must attack Manchester United and avoid a repeat of the Tottenham defeat
Chelsea will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last Saturday's performance against Tottenham when they welcome Manchester United tomorrow afternoon.
Their display in the London derby was far from convincing, as Chelsea struggled to take control of the game or enjoy enough possession to put Spurs' defence under sustained pressure. In fact, much of their attacking threat came from mistakes and misplaced passes by the opposition rather than anything they created themselves. They will need to show much more quality on the ball if they are to get a result against United.
Xabi Alonso faces two choices against Manchester United: take the game to them and allow his creative players to find space, or sit deeper and look to hurt United on the counter-attack.
Given Chelsea's 0-2 defeat to Tottenham, the second approach feels like a risky option and could lead to a repeat of last weekend's disappointment. Hopefully, Alonso opts for the more attacking approach and gives his creative players the freedom to make things happen.
Alonso’s record suggests an attacking mindset. Chelsea have scored 17 league goals in eight games, and they beat Bournemouth 5-1 at home with a front line given freedom to move. His preference is to give freedom to the attack to work their magic, and rather not absorb pressure. At home against a side 16th in the table, passivity would be out of character.
The numbers from the other side also back up that approach as United have conceded 13 league goals in eight games,and lost 3-0 at home to Bournemouth last weekend. A defence in that state is best tested by sustained pressure and quick movement between the lines, and that suits Cole Palmer, who thrives when he can receive the ball in space.
The Tottenham game showed just how costly getting the approach wrong can be. Chelsea created some opportunities but failed to take them, before losing control of the match after Penders' error gifted Spurs the opening goal.
Sitting deep and taking a reactive approach against United would risk giving them too much possession and inviting pressure. They have the attacking quality to make Chelsea pay, with Bryan Mbeumo leading their scoring charts with four goals and Bruno Fernandes close behind on three.
Getting the balance right will be crucial. Chelsea need to press high, keep Moises Caicedo in a position to protect the defence and, most importantly, play with a natural striker, something they lacked against Tottenham.
If they can attack with greater structure and purpose, they should be able to create chances while limiting the counter-attacks that caused them so many problems last weekend.
Alonso needs to get his approach right: positive going forward but disciplined without the ball. Against a Manchester United side that have struggled for consistency this season, that could be the formula Chelsea need to take all three points.
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