One lesson we learned from Inter's comeback against Udinese
Here is one lesson that we learned after the Nerazzurri beat the Bianconeri 5-3 at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
VAVEL4 min read
In their 3-0 victory over AC Milan, Chelsea looked a lot more balanced offensively and more compact defensively whilst playing in a back three system, with Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana and Jorrel Hato as the three centre-backs. Ultimately, in the previous two matches against Tottenham and Juventus, respectively, Chelsea were open defensively, and both teams cut through the Blues' midfield like a knife through butter, particularly in transition.
However, in the match against Ruben Amorim's side, Chelsea were much more organised and disciplined out of possession. Xabi Alonso's side closed down the gaps; in midfield, they forced Milan to pass backwards and sideways, rather than breaking the lines, and Chelsea won their individual battles.
The wing-backs unlock the attack
In a back three system, Chelsea were playing a 3-2-5 shape whilst having possession. This is because both full-backs Marco Palestra and Pedro Neto were pushing extremely high up the pitch and became wingers.
In fact, there were periods when Palestra was the furthest player forward due to making diagonal and dangerous runs in behind the Italian side's defence.
Chelsea were constantly utilising the full-backs, and the tactic was to put crosses in from the wide areas while having many players in the opposing side's box. For example, Palestra got past his man and put in a brilliant cross for Joao Pedro in the first half.
However, there were periods, especially with Geovany Quenda in the second half, when the wing-backs were also given the licence to cut inside and take shots inside the box.
Fixing last season's defensive problems
Chelsea were all over the shop defensively last season, and they conceded 52 goals in 38 Premier League matches. Playing in a back three should instantly make Chelsea more compact than last season and also ensure that the midfield has more protection behind them when they get bypassed.
Enzo Fernandez has had his issues out of possession in terms of being dribbled past and losing his 50-50 duels, and there have been some suggestions that playing with three centre-backs will help hide some of his flaws.
Bringing in Pep Chavarria through the door will give Alonso more flexibility in a back three system because he can play as a LWB, and also Palestra predominantly played as RWB for Cagliari last season. Although pre-season has to be taken with a pinch of salt, the truth is that Chelsea's most impressive performance thus far has come while playing with a back three and wing-backs.
A system that suits this squad
There is a night-and-day difference in how Chelsea played against the Italian giants compared to their two previous matches. Chelsea's team is potentially suited better in a back three system, and they have players like Chavarria, Maxence Lacroix and Palestra who are used to playing in either a 3-4-3 or a 3-4-2-1 system.
Joao Pedro will also have more service to feed off, because Chelsea will create more chances from the middle of the park and from wide areas, rather than just creating chances from out wide like they did last season. Alonso will set up his side in different systems and formations, but the back three formation will make the Blues a more balanced team and more solid defensively.
