For Chelsea, they have led the league table for a long time this season, but in the past period of time, Tuchel's side has suddenly "turned off", completely lost the rhythm of the game and could not find a way to get back on track. Chelsea have won just 1 of their last 6 games, while in their last 3 games they have only won 2 draws and 1 defeat. However, City, their direct rivals, have scored 36 points in 13 consecutive league games.
In the league so far this season, Chelsea have won just 12 of their 22 games, with a winning percentage of 54.5%. That said, Chelsea have only managed to score three points in about half of the games this season, while in other games they have either drawn or lost. In a highly competitive league like the Premier League, such a winning percentage is very far from the championship for any team. With 43 points in the league table, Chelsea are 13 points away from the top of the table, and with 16 games left in the league, Chelsea need to recover an average of nearly 1 point per game if they want to come behind, which is almost an impossible task. While it is very frustrating to lose hope of winning the title in the middle of the season, objectively speaking, Chelsea should adjust their goal of winning this season to the Champions League.
Judging by the team's performance, the absence of two wing-backs, Chilwell and Rees James, has had a very obvious impact on their tactical system. As we all know, in the tactical system of the 343, the role of two wing-backs is very important. In attack, they need to insert themselves near the opposing penalty area, play with the wingers and the players on the back of this side, and disrupt the opponent's defensive formation by running without the ball. In defense, especially when switching from attack to defense, they need to limit the opponent's ball for the first time, and then quickly return to the position parallel to the center-back, thus forming a defensive system of 5 defenders. Such a difficult responsibility naturally puts forward very high requirements for the player's personal ability, not only requiring them to have sufficient physical fitness, be able to support frequent high-speed turnback runs; have a good sense of defensive position, be able to predict the running position and passing line of the opposing offensive player in advance; have excellent passing ability, especially the ability to cross the ball, and be able to send high-quality passes in time when they are available.
Both Reese James and Chilwell do a pretty good job at this point. However, after two players were injured, Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso, who were their replacements, did not do well. Veteran captain Azpilicueta has experienced a significant decline in physical fitness and speed as he gets older, and has done a decent job on the defensive end, but not much help to the team on the offensive end. Marcos Alonso's situation is not the same as Azpilicueta, the 31-year-old defender has good offensive attributes, passing footwork is also good, can be combined with teammates when attacking, can also send a good cross, but in defense, his lack of speed, position is not ideal Shortcomings are also very obvious, in this side of the back player Matchic is not known for defense, the left side of the road naturally becomes one of the shortcomings in Chelsea's backline.
In this case, Chelsea will inevitably need to strengthen the position of the two wing-backs. Especially at the left wing-back position, as Chilwell will be absent for a long time due to injury, it is obvious that Marcos Alonso alone will be difficult to cope with the second half of the league and Champions League matches. According to the Mirror, Tuchel is very optimistic about Inter's main left wing-back Perisic, and Chelsea have included the 32-year-old Croatia international in the list of recruits, ready to poach. This season, as the main player of the team, Perisic has made a total of 23 appearances in the league and Champions League, contributing 4 goals and 2 assists. From the technical characteristics, Perisic's ability at both ends of the attack and defense is quite comprehensive, averaging 1 key pass per game at the offensive end, 1.3 interceptions and 1.7 successful toppings per game at the defensive end, which are at the top of the team. It is reported that in the case that Perisic is difficult to complete the renewal, Inter may agree to let him leave the team in the winter transfer window.
In addition, on the Liverpool side, they are in third place, "sharing the same disease" with Chelsea. In terms of squads, the team has obvious problems in the midfield position. With Thiago's frequent injuries, the team lacks a stable enough "metronome" player. According to Western media outlet El nacional, Liverpool are paying attention to the situation of Calvin Phillips. The England international has been a mainstay of Leeds United this season and has played well on both ends of the road. His contract with the team has two and a half years to expire and is worth 40 million euros in the transfer market. Calvin Phillips is interested in travelling to play at Anfield. (The picture comes from the Internet, if there is infringement, please contact to delete)