Xabi Alonso’s has a lot of thinking to do after Sunderland expose ongoing tactical dilemma
Xabi Alonso and Chelsea began the season dancing on the edge of a razor blade with a full-throttle attack. Rather than have to contend with a low block, Alonso set his side up to attack huge spaces. The high press and fast breaks were prime time.
This approach yielded goals galore but at the cost of defensive solidity. The Blues averaged 2.1 goals in their first eight Premier League games while leaking in 1.8 per game within the same period. In pursuit of those huge spaces, Chelsea were absorbing more attacking pressure than they could bear. A perfect example was against Brighton on match day 2 when they achieved only 26% possession in a 4-3 victory.
Lately, Alonso has been erring on the side of caution, seeking more control in games through patient build-ups and by pinning teams back. Despite the abundance of goals, this was something Alonso wished for.
“I hope one day you say it's a boring game and we win, and we don’t give these entertaining moments.”
Alonso has much thinking to do regarding the kind of space he’s willing to give up. The answer will dictate the one his team ends up attacking.
Chelsea look like conceding whenever their opponents pile on pressure. What happens when they fail to capitalise on direct attacking opportunities? They found out first-hand against Tottenham in a 2-0 loss. Limiting their opponents’ chances has become crucial to make up for their reduced attacking efficiency, especially in João Pedro’s absence. Suffocating them high up seems to be the way.
Yet, Chelsea are not the most inventive at breaking down low blocks. And their response to counter-attacks inspires little confidence and results in a poor performance.
Backed by a roaring Stadium of Light and fuelled by the need to escape a looming relegation crisis, Sunderland invited Chelsea to break them down on match day 10, relishing the opportunity to catch them on the counter.
To streamline central progression, Alonso deployed a Christmas tree formation, with Jordan Henderson, Moisés Caicedo and Roméo Lavia starting a Premier League game together for the first time. The midfield trio were tasked with knitting things together, ranking among the match’s top four for most passes in a Chelsea shirt. Wesley Fofana racked up 88 passes, surpassed only by Lavia and Caicedo as Chelsea were reduced to sterile possession in front of Sunderland’s compact block.
Since Sunderland were disinterested in pressing, Chelsea overloaded their first line of defence, hoping to draw them out and find the likes of Palmer and Caicedo in the central pockets. Sunderland proved stubborn, choking the central areas and forcing Alonso’s men out wide.
When a Chelsea player looked to dash into the half-space, Noah Sadiki and Jules Ahoka were quick to cover. Thus, the Blues’ outlets on the flanks, Pep Chavarría, Marco Palestra and Morgan Rogers were reduced to crosses into a box without a traditional number 9. The only big chance to emerge from these deliveries was in the 24th minute when Rogers popped into the box, soared above everyone else to meet a Palestra cross, and narrowly missed the target.
Looking to maximise one-on-one opportunities, Alonso brought on Estêvão in the second half. The Brazilian offered some spark, completing three out of five dribbles, but the final punch remained missing.
“We didn’t produce enough to deserve to win. We were against the low block. We missed a bit of patience, a little bit of quality, creativity in the last third to create more chances,”
Despite securing only 31% possession, Sunderland carved out four big chances to Chelsea’s one. While the Black Cats shut Chelsea out, a ferocious lion in Brian Brobbey lay in wait for counter-attacks. Régis Le Bris’ game plan worked to perfection as Brobbey drew a penalty from Levi Colwill, which was converted by Enzo Le Fée in the 36th minute.
Chelsea are far from the only victims of low blocks. It remains a hurdle for the top sides. Look no further than Nottingham Forest’s masterclass against Manchester City, grinding out a 3-1 victory. Even Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal suffer this plight, yet they continue to churn out wins by combining a clinical edge with defensive fortitude, stopping counter-attacks and being adept at defending in a low block themselves to protect a lead.
João Pedro’s absence coinciding with a reduced output might suggest the Brazilian’s return is the silver bullet. Having him on the pitch is one thing. Creating chances for him to finish off is another.
So far this season, he has thrived when he, Cole Palmer, and Morgan Rogers have had space to combine. We’re yet to see how this trio fares in Alonso’s more possession-oriented system. Regardless, his strong, lethal presence in the box is undeniable and would boost Chelsea’s confidence in attack.
Alonso is finding out that the grass isn’t greener on the other side of the tactical divide. Standing in the way of that “boring win” he so craves are the demons of the low block and the counter-attack. Welcome to the Premier League, Xabi.
