Thomas Tuchel has twice opted to utilise a three-man midfield in a big game for Chelsea. On each occasion the midfield trio of N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic have been unable to exert the control they needed in the game, put under pressure by an effective press from the opposition.
Against Manchester City in September and Lille on Wednesday evening the Blues had their struggles, and while the Premier League champions may have more quality than their French counterparts - Chelsea were as limited in the opening 45 minutes in France.
The key difference however, was the Blues had once real chance and one goal. Christian Pulisic showed a striker's instinct to slot the ball past Leo Jardim from Jorginho's intricate pass. Tuchel has needed some individual moments of brilliance to overcome tough performances this season, but this felt calculated.
