It hasn't been entirely smooth sailing for the Blues this pre-season. Having won one out of two games so far, there is still a lot of work left to do with Thomas Tuchel's squad. Chelsea most recently faced newly formed side, Charlotte in their pre-season tour and lost on penalties. The curse of the penalty kicks hasn't quite escaped.
A promising first half was complimented with a disjointed second as the Blues kicked off the match more than an hour after it was scheduled. It took half an hour before Chelsea was able to break down Charlotte. A Christian Pulisic goal coming off from a misfire from Michy Batshuayi put the Blues ahead. It came as a sigh of relief as patterns from last season began to repeat itself in front of goal.
Charlotte equalised deep into extra time with a penalty and ultimately went on to win. The story sounds like a stroke of misfortune for the Blues but in fact, it may be a cry for help. Missed chances and sloppiness in possession cost them the game. Usually, it would be a case of 'it's just a pre-season game' but alarm bells are ringing for fans as they relish the idea of a repeat of last season.
Thomas Tuchel has been vocal in saying that his team is not looking to add another attacker. Raheem Sterling was the priority, that has now been fulfilled so the defence is currently the main point of focus. I guess it makes sense right? Lose one attacker, replace him with another. Lose two defenders, replace them as a priority. On paper it all adds up - however it may not click when push comes to shove.
Last season, the Blues struggled in front of goal. The chances were present but the killer finish was not. It's a sort of baffling puzzle to solve. Chelsea are blessed with attackers that have once been hailed as the best in their previous teams. Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, and Hakim Ziyech, all praised as undeniable talents. The potential is still there for these forwards to be successful at Chelsea but many fear that it may not be enough to see through another season.
Raheem Sterling has shown bursts of what he is about during his first 45 minutes in a Chelsea shirt. The England international is no stranger to a goal here and there - in fact he is the third highest goal scorer that Pep Guardiola has coached. Only sitting behind Sergio Aguero and Lionel Messi. His addition to the team will certainly help in the goal-scoring aspect- especially as Tuchel sees the 27-year-old as a potential number 9. Christian Pulisic has also seen some glory days in his Chelsea past, particularly in the 2019/2020 season. A return in form would be beneficial as Tuchel prepares for a Premier League battle with the top 6.
Watching Darwin Nunez score four goals for Liverpool in their pre-season game against RB Leipzig begs the question of whether or not Chelsea needs a striker. Someone to convert some of their chances made. It's still early days, to be honest. An early observation could always turn out wrong. We have learned from Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side who last season started off slowly without a recognised number 9. We all know how that story played out.
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