football.london takes a look at the talking points from Chelsea's defeat against Aston Villa as the Blues fall to 11th in the Premier League table.
A familiar feeling proving difficult to fix
Once upon a time this season it might have felt a reprieve for Chelsea to be creating chances at a rate of knots. On Saturday evening against Aston Villa it only served to offer additional reminders of the Blues struggles in front of goal.
Graham Potter's men record 27 shots in comparison to Aston Villa's five, with the visitors not even recording an effort in the 38 minutes between each of their goals. The volume of Chelsea's strikes shouldn't necessarily imply that the Blues had good opportunities however.
Ben Chilwell saw a goal ruled out, while Mykhailo Mudryk should have twice done better but more memorable are the wayward strikes of Mateo Kovacic and the struggles of Joao Felix and Kai Havertz to hit the target when surrounded by defensive bodies. The west London side have managed just 29 goals in 28 games and have slipped into a negative goal difference after Ollie Watkins and John McGinn both found the net at Stamford Bridge.
READ MORE: Every word Graham Potter said on Cucurella, Koulibaly, Mount and boos after Aston Villa defeat
While the backline was different, the error leading to Aston Villa's opening goal could only bring back memories of errors costing Chelsea three points against Everton but the Blues had no cushion to earn a draw against Unai Emery's side.
"Clearly we need to improve, you only have to look at the league table to see that," said Potter following the game. That feeling is familiar too.
Defensive confusion
While the make-up of Chelsea's backline against Aston Villa was always going to be uncertain, it's safe to say there was a degree of surprise about the back three that was utlisited at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Kalidou Koulibaly played in the centre of Reece James and Marc Cucurella while Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah were on the bench for the duration.
Potter explained his decision following the game. He said: "Well, we wanted to attack, we wanted to use Marc and Reece as two laterals, that's where the space would be and they can construct attacks well. I thought we got some good opportunities from an attacking perspective, won the ball back, high as well. I think we had a 1v1 with Mischa a couple of times. It's an error for the first goal and whenever there's an error there's always something you can do better."
It's not unheard of for either player to play as part of a back three. James has proved successful there, and Thomas Tuchel found the position a better one for James to maintain his fitness - perhaps another consideration after James pulled out of the England squad.
Each did have some success too with James producing some fantastic passing and Cucurella pressing well, though his performance was overshadowed by his error.
Without Wesley Fofana or Thiago Silva, it is often difficult to think that Chelsea's defence brings enough consistency and leadership however. Communication between Koulibaly and Cucurella was tested, and the former was berated by Chilwell when he waited too long to deliver a pass for the wingback..
The former Leicester defender completed a 180 degree turn by the ball made it's way to him and he was none too pleased. Mudryk was required to be on hand in a bid to calm Chilwell, who lost his cool for the first of mutliple times over the course of 90 minutes.
Chelsea conceded few chances overall, but the quality of some were too good to contemplate using the same backline again. If nothing else, it would not inspire a home crowd against Liverpool on Tuesday.
N'Golo Kante saves Graham Potter
There's not getting away from the fact that Graham Potter has a difficult task to win over Chelsea supporters. Six months into the job, it's not a position you want to be in.
Boos were heard at half time and being kind you could say they were reserved for referee Andy Madley....but given the tone after the draw with Everton, being a goal behind against Villa was already testing the patience of supporters and seeing the momentum built in March turn.
In fairness to Potter, he doesn't begrudge fans their feelings. He said following the game: "They're professional footballers, they play for Chelsea, they understand the demand, they understand what it is, where we are, they're not stupid. They accept the responsibility, they're honest, they want to do better. We're there fighting for each other and fighting together so there's no complaints for how the supporters respond."
In many ways, the introduction of Ngolo Kante saved Potter. The atmosphere turned following John McGinn's strike as a chorus of 'you don't know what you're doing' emerged. Kante's return saw an uplift that spared Potter and the rest of the team seeing a fevered and frustrated crowd.
Boos returned at the full time whistle of course, but not with the same ferocity that met the second goal. The pressure will nevertheless be on against Liverpool.
READ MORE:
Graham Potter faces new Chelsea moment as familiar problems arise in Aston Villa defeat
Chelsea vs Aston Villa highlights as Watkins and McGinn make wasteful Blues pay
Thomas Tuchel proven right over Kalidou Koulibaly as Marc Cucurella's Chelsea shocker slammed
Pundits clash over Mykhailo Mudryk verdict after Graham Potter's Chelsea promise emerges
Chelsea reach unwanted £1bn Premier League landmark as huge Todd Boehly task outlined
