Wingbacks galore
There's a chance nobody in world football is capable of replacing Reece James as a wingback. The Cobham product is among the very finest in his position and his injury was always going to cost Chelsea regardless of schedule or opposition.
Against Newcastle, Graham Potter was left scrambling trying to find someone to fill the role. Ruben Loftus-Cheek was chosen for the starting lineup before quickly picking up an injury. So, after seven minutes Cesar Azpilicueta moved from Chelsea's back three and into the role. At half-time, Cesar Azpilicueta was replaced as he too was struggling with an issue, and Conor Gallagher was put into the position. That did not last too long as Chelsea adjusted to a back four, but signalled the struggle the Blues have had in finding an adequate backup for James.
Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic have also been used in wingback roles but understandably, no option matches the profile as James. Azpilicueta is the only defender that has been chosen but the physical requirements of the position are high, and while the Spaniard endeavours to contribute to attacks and to bomb up and down the wing, it is perhaps unrealistic to expect him to do this with any frequency.
READ MORE: Every word Graham Potter said on Loftus-Cheek, Azpilicueta issue, Chelsea run and World Cup hope
So, the question comes, do Chelsea need a new signing? It may be a hard sell to many, to come and be James' backup - somewhat reminiscent of Tottenham's attempt to find a secondary striker for Harry Kane. James' injury record so far has ensured playing time will be there however, and perhaps with a quality rotation option, the England international's playing time could be managed in a way where he can avoid so many issues.
The likes of Jonathan Clauss and Denzel Dumfries were among those mentioned in the rumour mill over the summer, while Chelsea have a buyback clause for Tino Livramento that they will be able to activate come the summer. Though, he is still returning from a long-term injury of his own. It is a significant question for Chelsea's new recruitment staff to answer, and perhaps a short-term option needs to be looked at in January as Potter had to make three unsatisfactory decisions in one game. The schedule will likely prove equally as problematic as the FA Cup comes into play and the Champions League continues in 2023.
Academy outing
When Chelsea's starting XI was announced at 2pm on Saturday, it was impossible not to notice the Cobham influence in its selection. Potter chose six players who had come through the Blues' development system in Trevoh Chalobah, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Lewis Hall, Conor Gallagher, Mason Mount and Armando Broja. The defeat is probably not the spark that will vindicate the success of the academy but in his 72 minutes on the pitch, Hall once again showed he may just belong.
The youngster, who favours a role in central midfield, made his Premier League debut at St James' Park and while it was not a wholly polished performance he showed moments of quality. Once again the youngster had plenty of work rate and showed he could produce a cross-field ball with his weaker foot.
Hall produced a team-high of two key passes, two dribbles and drew three fouls, while putting in second most crosses and producing more accurate long balls than all but Edouard Mendy. The development squad star is undaunted, and to recover from their current form, it is the attitude Chelsea will need.
Potter may be left with quite the decision of where Hall lies in the pecking order at Chelsea. The youngster has the opportunity to spend more time under his head coach while the World Cup is ongoing, and while the return of injured players will make a spot in the squad harder to come by, as players are reintroduced over the Christmas period, Hall could have a chance to seal his spot.
Tough at the top
In more ways than one for Chelsea's head coach.
One of the biggest adjustments when Potter first arrived at Stamford Bridge was Chelsea's intention to attack the opposition. The likes of Mason Mount appeared to have been given specific instructions to get in the opposition box, moments of fluidity were more apparent and there seemed to be a greater licence from the Blues to have a go.
Familiar tenets have returned as the Blues entered a down spell however, and now they are struggling to generate opportunities at all. Chelsea had just seven touches in the opposition box against Newcastle, barely enough to generate a shot, never mind a goal.
It is but one struggle they will need to overcome when Premier League football returns, and if they hope to re-establish their place in the European chase, their form against the best teams will also need to improve.
Chelsea are yet to earn three points against a team in the top seven of the division. The Blues still need to play Liverpool and Manchester City home and away, but have recorded defeats to Arsenal, Brighton and Newcastle, and draws to Tottenham and Manchester United. With Chelsea eight points behind Spurs in fourth, albeit with a game in hand, they must take advantage against those above and below.
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