Well, folks, it appears Enzo Maresca has arrived at Stamford Bridge like the new kid in school, nervously clutching his lunchbox and hoping nobody notices he’s wearing two different socks. What a debut! Encouraging, you say? Let’s just say it’s like finding a tenner in your coat pocket—you’re bloody chuffed, but you still have no idea how that happened!
Making a mark, the Blues have snagged 14 precious points from their last six outings after that disastrous opening match against Manchester City. You know it’s good when fans are no longer tearing their hair out; instead, they’re just gently pulling their hair out while watching the game! But can they keep up this pace? That’s the million-pound question, isn’t it? Chelsea’s aspirations of squeezing into the Champions League are not unlike trying to fit into your childhood jeans—possible, but a squeezey affair.
The Blues Face a Rocky Road Ahead
Chelsea’s offensive stats sound glitzy and glam—2.29 goals per game, only trailing Manchester City. But it’s not all sparkles and high fives! Their defense could be likened to a colander, letting in goals like they’re auditioning for a part in a drama series. Six of those delightful goals came against Wolves, who were apparently more generous than a charity at a gala. Seriously, I’ve seen under-10s put up a better defensive performance!
Then there was West Ham, who might as well have invited the Blues in for tea while conceding a barrage of goals. And Brighton? They took defending and turned it into an exposé on ‘How Not To Defend 101,’ collapsing like a soufflé in an earthquake. One gift from Adam Webster and a cheeky penalty conceded by Carlos Baleba—that’s some level of festive generosity!
But just when you think Chelsea are starting to feel comfy in their own skin, they met Nottingham Forest. A 1:1 draw is about as exciting as watching paint dry! Suddenly, the forest wasn’t a magical realm of goals—it was more like a tranquil spot where both teams happily settled for mediocrity. Only Arsenal and Liverpool, with their strategically fortified defenses, are playing the defensive game like masters while Chelsea had to scrape a draw.
The Mighty Liverpool Challenge
Now, let’s chat about their impending clash with Liverpool. Oh, Liverpool! The fortress with a defense that is tighter than a pair of Spanx at a buffet! Just two goals conceded in seven games, making their opponents feel like they’re trying to squeeze toothpaste back into the tube—nearly impossible!
Under Arne Slot, the Reds have been quite the juggernaut—winning nine of the first ten matches, and they’re scoring nearly two goals a match while allowing less than one. It’s like a game of chess, where they’ve turned every piece into a knight and there’s Chelsea fumbling around looking for their queen!
Liverpool’s defensive prowess at Anfield is daunting. Three losses since the start of the 2021/22 season? You’ve got better odds of winning the lottery than scoring against them! Meanwhile, Chelsea, bless their hearts, have won only one of their last nine visits to Anfield. It’s like the Bermuda Triangle of football for them!
So, as Chelsea prepares to tango with Liverpool, arm yourselves with popcorn and a comfy chair because, if history tells us anything, the ride is bound to be bumpy. Will they dance their way into the Champions League? Or will they end up tripping over their own feet? Get your betting arm ready; it might just be ‘now or never’ for Maresca’s blues!
Enzo Maresca made an encouraging debut at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have taken 14 points from their last six Premier League outings, having lost their opening match against Manchester City. Maintaining this pace is now a challenge for Chelsea, who are looking to qualify for the Champions League this season.
Chelsea’s impressive 4-2 win over Brighton late last month had everyone, including the bookmakers, reacting. However, we assess whether now or never is the time to support Maresca’s side as they prepare to take on Liverpool.
Odds provided by Unibet. Data correct at time of publication and subject to change.
Chelsea facing a series of difficult matches
Chelsea have undoubtedly improved compared to last season. They scored an average of 2.29 goals per game, with only Manchester City scoring more in English football’s top flight, but their poor defending contributed to their struggles.
Six of the Blues’ goals came against Wolves, who have conceded the most goals in the Premier League, averaging three per game. Chelsea also took advantage of a West Ham defense that was in disarray last month.
The Hammers’ high line was extremely vulnerable when the team lost possession and Maresca’s side were able to rush forward. A week later, Brighton’s defense collapsed as they conceded four goals in the first half against the Blues. The first goal of the match was a gift from Adam Webster, and soon after, Carlos Baleba conceded a penalty.
In their last outing, Chelsea faced a much tougher Nottingham Forest side at Stamford Bridge. Nuno Espirito Santo’s side had conceded just six goals before the match. Forest settled for a 1:1 draw. Only Arsenal and Liverpool have a better defensive record at this stage.
Chelsea will face some tough matches in the coming weeks. He will face Liverpool and Arsenal, the strongest defenses in the league, in his next four league matches.
The other two matches are against Newcastle and Manchester United. The Blues will also have to play two Europa Conference League matches, as well as an EFL Cup match against Eddie Howe’s side during this period.
The Blues face the Liverpool defense
Liverpool have the best defense in the Premier League this season. They have conceded just two goals in seven matches, meaning their opponents have scored an average of just 0.29 goals per game. The league leaders will be hoping to keep their defense tight once again to try to stifle Chelsea’s attack.
Arne Slot won nine of his first ten matches in charge of the Reds. The underlying championship data is also promising.
Their xGA of 5.72 is the lowest in the division. Creating chances hasn’t been a problem either. Liverpool have scored an average of 1.86 goals per game and have the third best xG in the Premier League.
The Reds have an impressive record in front of their home crowd. They have lost just three home matches in the Premier League since the start of the 2021/22 campaign and have conceded just 0.79 goals per game on average.
Chelsea have won just one of their last nine Premier League matches at Anfield.
+
