Why Chelsea Can't Score (But Man City Can)

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If you’ve been watching Chelsea over the past two seasons there’s a pattern that they find themselves in week in week out. No matter the billions spent on new players, the 4 different managers within a year, and whatever the “project” is, teams have figured out that Chelsea have no idea how to break a low block, and will happily park the bus and watch as Chelsea constantly pass the ball from side to side or spam hopeful crosses into the box. This obviously isn’t working, last season Chelsea scored 38 goals, their worst record in 99 years (1923/24). And with very similar difficulties at the start of the new season, any optimism from the fans at the brand new starting 11 is very quickly fading away. But why are they so bad at breaking the low block, and what do teams like man city do differently to make little work of it?
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Chapters
00:00 Chelsea's Biggest Difficulty
01:47 What's the Problem?
03:56 Chelsea & Man City Structural Differences
08:38 Why Chelsea are Too Predictable
11:35 Will Things Pick Up for Chelsea?
#chelsea #pochettino #mancity #guardiola #tactics #football #premierleague #cfc #soccer #pepguardiola

[@Z0mbify]

I love this analysis, one of the reasons why Chelsea miss Nkunku badly

[@FootballMeta]

yeah very unlucky he got injured straight away

[@kayodeaboluje7407]

Nkunku won't change anything bro

[@Rando.2xx]

​@kayodeaboluje7407 probably will buddy

[@jimmywalker8354]

Nkunku has never played for Chelsea though, what are they missing exactly??

[@Rando.2xx]

@jimmywalker8354 in pre season you cleary didn't see the impact he had he was the driving force in attack your just a casual it seems

[@kikaemmy3236]

I've never seen a perfect analysis in my life before.. this is perfection. You guys just earned a new subscriber

[@FootballMeta]

Thank you! Welcome aboard 🙌🏻

[@sivuyilex_banisa4183]

hopping on that train too. Yho! this was amazing

[@xaynbb]

@@sivuyilex_banisa4183 Yup! Same

[@nickkwisdom3163]

count me in 3 🤣

[@nickkwisdom3163]

Poch should have a look at this

[@fishyfish6510]

The problems with Chelsea create too much pressure on the striker. He receives poor chances or none at all whole game, the team concedes thus creating more pressure on him to score. After a whole game of not getting chances the striker loses confident and he misses when a chance does come his way. He loses confidence even more. Cycle repeats. That's why only mentality monsters like Drogba and Diego Costa have been successful for Chelsea

[@AbdulB]

They were not using this suspect system back when those guys were playing

[@gabz0gagz]

They played alongside Lampard, Mata, Cesc, Hazard tho. And that freak Ivanovic whos like an extra CF on set poeces

[@HH-mw5dr]

The key difference is they were playing with fabregas Hazard Mata willian Pedro etc not with mudryk or madueke

[@kayodeaboluje7407]

​@@HH-mw5dr😂😂not with mudryk, chukwuemeka, madueke, Loftus cheek,😂

[@turbaw]

And then people just say "flop" to them without even knowing the real situation.

[@LuckyAkpovrare-xk4vv]

Pochetino needs to watch this analysis. You have done a great job to xray Chelsea's problems against low block teams and the solution to overcome it. Above all, I think CFC need to strengthen Pochetino's back room staff with more additions. We need tactical coaches to help him. This was the same problem that Lampard, Potter and even Thomas Tuchell all faced. CFC must act now by supporting MP. Sacking him is not the solution.

[@pystang4968]

The question is how a professional premier league team doesn’t spot these problems by their own performance analysis team but a KZbinr did the job better

[@nicolash6553]

Someone ring up Chelsea and get this mana contract, top marks on this analysis, very revealing.

[@EuropeanBison.]

​@@pystang4968I guess Poch aleady knows about this problem but there is another reason

[@NPCSpotter]

@@EuropeanBison. He's a fraud simple. De Zerbi and Pep would solve this problem within two weeks of training

[@Dilllll26]

you think a guy on youtube really knows better than a premier league manager who has reached CL final and won trophies LOL

[@edwardconteh6552]

Can someone please get this video to Pochettino as soon as possible, cause he needs to watch this and learn. This analysis perfectly sums up chelsea's current struggles. A job well done bro, keep it up. I'm so impressed.

[@ameryandreleerivears7791]

Pochettino is not here to help but here to hurt so this won’t matter

[@victorian-dad]

This would be beyond Pochettino's understanding!

[@KidCudi72]

The problem is Pochettino and his reliance on playing Gallagher between the lines and Chilwell out wide. Both are negatives in terms of ball retention, ball progression and key passing. As long as Pochettino sticks out being stubborn and refusing tactical superiority in the way RDZ, Ange and Pep do he will continue to concede on counters and then get suffocated by low blocks.

[@alt-32]

poch hates mudryk and madueke

[@nightcorefox_huli]

​@alt-32 Mudryk has been horrible though so it's understandable why he is on the bench. Would want to see Madueke get more chances

[@KidCudi72]

@@nightcorefox_huli He's playing less than 10 minutes a night coming on in losing situations against teams sitting everyone behind the ball. Vinicius would have been abused and never would have turned out into the player he did at Chelsea in these situations. You have to treat Mudryk like a completely raw and new player coming from the Ukrainian league. He's showed flashes in the CL for Shakhtar but he needs to be fed minutes and creative freedom to fine tune his game and figure out what works. Just like Vinicius taking over a season to put it together. Martinelli and Saka starting games since 2019 and just emerged into stars in 2022. It was just pre-season but Mudryk showed his ability to combine with Jackson in spurt minutes. Pochettino has then come and played the most regressive football possible. Two attackers at home against clubs he should be beating. A complete lack of tactical nuance and creativity and instead showcasing his cowardice and fear of losing. When you play negative try not to lose football it almost always backfires and you just show to the world that the Chelsea job is too much pressure for you.

[@kwache]

Gallagher is just doing fine He's been our best player this season He's not even playing mostly in between the lines Hardly has he put a foot wrong this season

[@KidCudi72]

@@kwache Gallagher might be the worst player in the Premier League. When you're playing in the middle of the park, at the heartbeat of a teams flow and you cannot: a) Dictate possession b) Create chances en masse You're dragging your side down. Gallagher is laughably poor when he plays deeper than Enzo as he's horrible in the first phase and can't beat press. And he's garbage in an advanced midfield role as he has zero vision, creativity, dribbling, chance generation. The sentiment to Gallagher is an enemy of progress. Chelsea need their Ødegaard, Pedri, De Bruyne, Maddison, Szoboszlai playing in that 10 role. Kendry Paez is coming in two years. He could start for us today and help our attackers leaps and bounds more than Gallagher has in two years of misery.

[@RandomHeroXJack]

Another issue with putting in so many crosses: Chelsea don't have any height. Chilwell/Gusto not winning any back post headers, Sterling is small and neither Gallagher or Enzo in support are a) natural finishers or b) tall. Puts pressure on Jackson to scrap for headers when he's often going against physically stronger/taller defenders. Nkunku would solve the problem by occupying different spaces in between those lines but what Chelsea would benefit from (aside from a clinical finisher in either ST or CAM) is someone who can pick a pass. When they had similar issues under Mourinho in 13-14 (after selling Mata and having issues with strikers - old man Eto'o was thei best that year) they went and bought Costa (natural born goal scorer) and Fabregas (the ultimate locksmith). As much as I understand the recruitment strategy of buying young talent to develop/that has sell on value, just two established players in the number 9 and number 8/10 area would sort Chelsea's issues. Maybe Palmer can be the right guy to occupy number 10/CAM/half spaces in midfield... but yet to have faith in Jackson being that guy.

[@kth6736]

You're bang on about the 14-15 season. Chelsea were regularly losing to likes of sunderland, southampton in 13-14. Cesc and Costa were the final pieces of the puzzle. However, Enzo is extremely similar to a 17yo Cesc amd Jackson is almost a regen of Costa. The only difference is that Cesc and Costa came at the peak of their careers. Both Enzo amd in particular Jackson will get there. The big problem for Chelsea is lack of time.

[@HH-mw5dr]

Spot on

[@alt-32]

i think they should scrap theyre starting 11 rn and play mudryk and madueke because they can actually pair up with jackson unlike sterling and gallagher

[@kwache]

Finishing from crosses isn't necessarily about tall I've watched City 4 seasons now with the likes of Foden Sterling Gundogan and benardo on the end of crosses finishing them and wasting most as well It's about those runs from deep and being met City always do it almost as perfect when one player in the halfspace finds the opposite player in the halfspace Just as highlighted in the video

[@chizobaobodozie7696]

@@kth6736Enzo is no where near Fabregas in terms of creativity. Jackson can’t bully defenders like Costa used to

[@adamfrancourt8631]

Exceptional analysis. Clear, concise and analytical with helpful visuals and and professional tone that doesnt try too hard to get you to like them. Subbed.

[@FootballMeta]

cheers mate 🙌

[@sibo5204]

City also struggle to break low blocks,but their defense is good enough to keep them in the game for a long time,and Pep told his players that as soon as someone goes out of their zone to press u,that's when u penetrate that area,its how it is,and City play side to side football too but at a much faster pace,and they play depending on where space might be

[@kth6736]

Yup. Chslsea defense has been shakey against liverpool, westham amd forest. They brought on additional pressure on the attack by conceding goals frkm half chances. I still think these are just growing pains. That partnership on Colwill and Disasi with Lavia ahead of them will settle in to be rock solid.

[@nivin156]

But still as the analysis showed city's wingers are very good at dribbling & fooling & taking 3,4 dfenders or defensive mids out of the game...unlike Chelseas wingbacks whom doesn't even know how to dribble or break the first man itself let alone 3

[@aisniper4095]

Wow! What an amazing analysis! I think that was one of the best data-oriented explanations of the CFC situation I've heard! Fantastic job! Can't wait for your upcoming videos! Love this side of football!

[@mykmaliq3232]

The moment poch stops starting gallagher thats when chelsea will actually start playing

[@oneoneday]

Yr scapegoating Gallagher. The issues run much deeper than him.

[@podSnippets_10]

You're really educating me how football tactics work. Thank you sir

[@syedhasan4572]

First time watching this channel, this video here is the best analysis of Chelsea misery in front of goal I came across. Well done.

[@FootballMeta]

thanks mate

[@monsieuricezchis]

So in other words Chelsea shouldn’t start a Chilwell at Lw but a Mudryk/Sterling so the chances of him dribbling past a defender is higher compared to chilly’s running in behind or crosses/cutbacks… that could work. But then there’s still the Colwill at LB which I feel need to be addressed… Nice analysis 👍

[@ogunreminifemi3164]

I'm a new subscriber and aspiring to become a football manager. Have never seen someone analyse pep team well even in a short video. I hope you can do more of this analysis to help me understand the game better. Love bro❤

[@Mussa-sm]

I love your analysis. Could you please analyze Mamelodi Sundowns. I think there is so much to learn from their possession football tactics. Their young Coach Rulani Mokwena is doing wonders..

[@darreltan1694]

Haaland is often criticized for not doing much on the ball, or helping in the build up. But his discipline in being the point man with City's dominance on the ball is actually a massive strength, as the defence cannot leave him alone and he is always in the right position to score.

[@shadow_realm47]

That's what his role should be If he becomes more Ball dominant the team will become uber dependent on him to bail out possessions. They asked Harry Kane to do too much That's why the Spurs never won . If Hazard Rooney and Torres were more disciplined they would each have atleast 50 more goals in the prem. That's why Lampard and Salah have an abnormal amount of goals for their position, cus they stick to their basics.

[@turbaw]

Haaland often be a dummy man and everyone knows it. He pulled the opposition defence out and then his teammates attack that area.

[@briquetierle2253]

So discipline and understanding of tactics as solutions to unlock opposition are the keys

[@nivin156]

I've been waiting to see this visual comparison between Chelsea & Man city playing style for ages...& actually its not just 2 seasons... Chelsea's struggle to break a LOW BLOCK team started almost around 2018 , when that golden squad of 2017 almost started to leave... telling my fellow chelsea mates our final creativity is also poor for ages ,not just the finishing...thanks for making this video.. SUBSCRIBED 👍

[@Nerdyoppa]

It was like this during the 2010/2011 season as well.

[@nivin156]

@@Nerdyoppa 12-13 also was not so different...but at the end of it Mata, hazard etc clicked and we were able to break opposition low block ALL FOR TORRES TO MISS SITTERS 😢

[@arnoldcherryhott3833]

I am really getting to understand how the modern game is played thanks to you.❤ This has improved my game.

[@FootballMeta]

thank you mate

[@liamo8932]

Who do ye play for? Are you one of Todd Boehly's men

[@olayinkaolawore4867]

It is almost as if recent Chelsea coaches have been clueless. I agree totally with every bit of the analysis here. Chelsea seem too comfortable playing the ball around among themselves like a dresss rehearsals. "Be patient", I am of the opinion the coaches/ technical team should be screaming at them "don't be stupid", attack the opposition with some urgency. Goals win matches. Terrify the opponent. It has mostly been Chelsea in possession of the ball, the opposite team are more comfortable, because The Chelsea team is always predictable. No crime with being predictable, can you move the ball with some urgency and sense of purpose. The Chelsea top striker and forward lines will be more or less, spectators and having to drop into midfield all the time,. I do hope someone in the technical team gets this video and act fast, else it is going to become even worse for Chelsea as a team, as other teams have the Chelsea tactics covered.

[@bearrock7330]

Top quality video and really helps a regular fan like me better understand the nuances of what is going on. Thank you for the great content!

[@pekainvest]

Excellent accurate analysis and well delivered with clarity and credibility. Not much more to be said. Thanks 🙏🏿

[@Crungler_]

keep up the good work! to me the gang at tifo irl is the gold standard and I think you live up to that. your presentations make sense and are easy to digest. I like that you explain the meaning behind some of these newer statistics being used and you also use data in smart and simple ways.

[@FootballMeta]

thank you mate, just being in the same sentence as tifo is very rewarding icl lol

[@Jessdowitt]

Absolutely love your analysis each week, keep ‘em coming!!

[@tonmoybaidya2743]

You can see how Haaland made city a much more stable and sane team. Before Haaland they would try to generate as many chances as possible. Now, they are way more calculative and mind gamey, because they know if the ball ends up in the box Haaland is there to finish the job. Now they can be surprising with creative players everywhere. That is why city bought Nunes Kovacic Doku and even Gvardiol. They all are extremely creative and can be surprising.

[@KidCudi72]

Meanwhile we're playing a flat back 3 with a left back up top and only two attackers. no natural #10 with Gallagher running around providing cardio. Poch is stuck in 2017.

[@eza9071]

this comment sums up exactly what happened to west ham LMAO

[@briquetierle2253]

Poch is stuck in 2017 Indeed

[@harveyelvistupamahu]

wow I love this analysis. keep up the good work mate!

[@gumiho.2604]

I just love your channel more than any others which have the same content. I hope that you can include some videos about positions: attribute required to play, mindset, etc someday, cause I'm trying to get better as a player and very need this content. Very appreciate your work. Thanks a lot!

[@totalefootball8637]

Reminds me when once Pep said to play good u have to attack centrally. Again great to see ur content. Thanks man. Keep up this great work

[@onajobidavid7205]

Beautiful….. well detailed explanation…. Poach needs to see this. Great work lad

[@arnoldcherryhott3833]

Always eager to watch more of your content

[@digit432]

Top notch production and analysis in this video 👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@sigfigronath]

Tbf many teams cant beat the low block especially in the prem. City also sometimes barely get a goal and win, Arsenal also. Breaking down a low block is a very challenging thing but im sure Chelsea can get there with more games and some tweaks.

[@TheChees1996]

That is ass, city always break low block teams. Just Chelsea don't have a player that likes to be in the half space like João Felix was.

[@cummerchant542]

@@TheChees1996like when city struggled vs Sheffield

[@yourdailyjoe3155]

​@@cummerchant542Haaland missed like 4 huge opportunities that should've put the game to bed long ago. Not to mention Sheffields goal came from a walker silly error

[@cummerchant542]

@@yourdailyjoe3155 and chelsea missed opportunities open goals and a pk

[@yourdailyjoe3155]

@@cummerchant542 And came out with very little points. Menawhile city have 5 out of 5

[@Saeroye]

Cole Palmer’s Football education under Pep will keep him ahead of the curve in his progress at Chelsea. He only needs more game time to fulfil his potential. Great video lots of insight. Chelsea need that time to gel but how long will teething problems last is the question.

[@Tattooart_7.7]

I was waiting for this analysis for a long time! 😮‍💨

[@kydwykqyd]

Earned yourself a new subscriber. Excellent analysis.

[@vincecosta]

brilliant! love the clarity of the analysis. It's not just an emotional dump from a fan. thanks!

[@the-arkk]

This is where Cole Palmer comes in, will be interesting to see Chelsea's next game. Cole Palmer as a double 8 with Enzo is going to be an interesting watch. Thank you for the video.

[@corteztaylor94]

only for him to start on the bench lmao

[@bobich1244]

So finally a video proving that Enzo Fernandez is not helping Chelsea to win. Its position is unefficient, where did he played at Benfica or do he play with Argentina ? Like Silva is slowing the game.

[@showtimeblc]

Great job as always!

[@olufunsoemmanuel1189]

This is absolutely spot on, you really did a good job. I wonder if mangers don't think like this. You earn a new subscriber.

[@donshaq]

i love the analysis and i hope those in charge are making use of these kind of data to help the team

[@oneoneday]

The best analysis i’ve seen for a long time. I certainly wondered this alot as city face low blocks every week too. It’s interesting that all of these issues are solvable starting with the formation and personnel. If someone could send this to poch that would be great!

[@wisdomnzube4121]

Pep Guardiola is a football genius

[@akaaharterungwa8068]

My first time here, and I love it! Thank you, football meta! I love your content.

[@sefatergbashi]

Amazing! Thank you very much for this exceptional analysis.

[@bawavikramsinghsondhi3857]

Wow! What an absolute Gold Video. Keep up the good work lad.

[@mariusvanschalkwyk9545]

Bro your analysis is spot on. Your videos are amazing 😭🔥🔥

[@Marcos-dx4qw]

Good analysis that's the work of the coach to observe and adjust to the system

[@bradfordnathan7292]

I love your analysis. From now on I will start watching you. I have already subscribed to your channel. From 🇩🇪

[@nana2g]

You nailed this perfectly 💯

[@nebertkavai1790]

Awesome. Wingers bring more width and attack to low blocks, its time to play Madueke, Palmer, Jackson & Sterling together. Drop Chilwell and Gusto

[@DapsyDave]

Excellent analysis on Chelsea!! This is what i have been screaming about for ages!!! The crossin and cut back thing is not working because we rely too much on it!! Hence why our strikers struggle to finish the type of chances they get.

[@kumandalawrence5763]

Thank you for this video. Brilliant analysis.

[@vincentokoro2275]

This is Beautiful....New subscriber without a second thought..

[@mashwork6615]

Also the Thiago silva factor has to be highlighted here. Poch like Tuchel before him wants him in his team but to accommodate his lack of mobility he has to go with a 3atb shape and commit and extra defender in build up and rest defence.

[@aliibraheem1488]

Great job man🙏

[@FootballTherapy]

Excellent video mate

[@FootballMeta]

Thank you mate, appreciate it

[@EliteFootball441]

Excellent analysis!!!

[@animjock1571]

Great video Could you do one similar but with United n City instead 🙏🏽

[@espoirgou]

never seen a football analysis before, this is so easy to understand. thanks ! a sub for you

[@aw4968]

Great work again

[@aman8549]

Of all the talks of nkunku..I think we should also think about the fact that we don't have a proper left side winger. Mudryuk will need to step up really fast and even after that we should have one more winger. Or just sterling on that side and play noni on the right

[@sohaibchelleli2870]

My man, absolutely love this detailed analysis, we need to show this to Poch... keep it going, this channel is going places.

[@kayjames4624]

Very good analysis, thank you

[@dantedankem9210]

The best analysis ever you’ve earned a new subscriber

[@28CFC]

Can't be any better than this! Precise analysis..

[@jasonsaleem552]

Brilliant content! Thank you!

[@mastermix1059]

this analysis is just classic. the best ive seen

[@fcbeninho0949]

Great analysis!

[@uwilliamT]

Great content!

[@aibunooob2092]

You are amazing dude. I'm starting my coaching career, is good to knowledge new stuff

[@abdulbasitishaq7601]

You've just answered so many questions in my head

[@KenyanRebelutionary]

I think Malo Gusto is a good player on that right, the problem with Chelsea is Chilwell and Gallagher (he is good defensively but not technically..)..hopefully Ogechukwu will replace him in that double pivot….and have Sterling on that left flank and Madueke on the right..Palmer as a 10 too as you mentioned helped Chelsea…I wish Chelsea would have bought Cherki…he would be perfect for link up one two play on the opposition box…and can dribble and operate in tight places.. heldentenor should get him in January..he would unlock that Chelsea attack.

[@oneoneday]

I agree with this, plus if jackson comes short then palmer needs to go into the space vacated

[@bobich1244]

So you want to buy again more players ? I think they already tried that

[@ewiasejnr5709]

Where I’ve I been all this time your analysis is perfect 👍

[@folahanfadipe901]

Perfect analysis.. Kudos to you

[@morafatobiloba7568]

This is brilliant bro. Good job

[@FootballMeta]

thank you mate

[@HispleMedia]

I think this is the best analysis I hv ever watched. Even better than the pondits on TV. Thank you

[@EnkarePub]

Wooow what an amazing analysis ❤❤....porch should watch this video

[@JLNHB]

Great video, thanks

[@DBZdude95]

Great analysis. Have been suggesting the same thing myself when it comes to the WB/Winger situation. We need to actually play wingers and take a risk as we're too predictable.

[@iPhoneveelage]

I’m so happy with this analysis and I wish Chelsea team can watch this. Great work Football Meta. Liked and Subscribed already 🎉❤

[@HaiLeQuang]

Fantastic analysis. Agree it's much more difficult to deal with Bernando Silva than Chilwell. It's about players, and system too

[@chineduezeofor2481]

Excellent analysis

[@mangalaa10]

brilliant work here.

[@marqnelxon]

I can't subscribe to any other football channel than this. Waw.. this is amazing, you guys are great❤

[@saneledlemz9844]

exceptional analysis Bro. just wish coach would see what you see

[@moetipefole9500]

Great analysis We need to cut through teams more through the final third instead of just in build up

[@TeddyWhyteComedy83]

What an analysis! You are a tactical coach already. I wish Poch can see this. Big ups!

[@lejpng]

Reece and Gusto are good at inverting into the midfield or tuck in to form a back 3. Matsen will be good at inverting too. Colwill can play leftback and tuck in too. Where does that leave Chilwel. This analysis is the reason why we need to pay what it takes to Olise

[@nguyenthanhat9602]

Amazing video!

[@kevinedwards278]

perfect analysis and use of technology, subscription and like earned

[@iamjoehanson8197]

YOU TOOK THE ANALYSIS FROM THE HEART! PURELY CORRECT!

[@b2bsportspodcast200]

Top top analysis, explains Chelsea’s attacking issues super clearly 👏🏻 just hope they improve…

[@abdoharby]

Excellent video wondering why Pochettino didn't realize that until now and try to solve those issues

[@nithinmalladi405]

phenomenal analysis! lets see what poch comes up with after the international break

[@phillipdavies6548]

Chelsea did well when their midfield, forwards and wing backs played attacking football. They have developed the habit of possession and passing the ball laterally and backwards more often than forward .It seems that players are afraid to take any chances that the opposition may defend successfully against any aggressive forward moves.

[@michaelmirekuakoto5243]

You have earned my subscription and notification bell

[@hazzyfc4501]

Great video bud, we need more people like you in football community to spread actual facts about clubs rather than random football pages posting provocative stuff to create hate among fans only to increase interaction on their content. Big thumbs up keep going 👍🏻

[@good-oz5bh]

love your videos but could you please do an anaylisis on the quality of raja ca (fc in morocco first league) pleaseeeee

[@TheIherbert]

I rarely comment on any YT videos but By far this is the best analysis I've seen anywhere. You just earned a new subscriber mate.

[@ivandersiley7161]

Great analysis. The constant slow play & lack of forward passing creates a lack of momentum & stifles confidence. Defences have time to shape & read what's coming.