High Pressing Proves Efficient.
From the first minute, Chelsea played with the same urgency as they did in the first leg. As soon as they lost the ball, they were all over the Man City players like a rash. Causing them to have very little time on the ball and to look very nervy for long periods. This approach helped Chelsea to regain possession which denied the City players the ability to create. Although they may have taken the lead, the game was quickly levelled and from then, City were unable to move Chelsea out of the driving seat.
Charley Musonda shows versatility.
Although it may not be very well known, The Blues academy have a certain way of doing things with their midfielders. Often giving them numerous minutes in various positions. The #6 being holding midfielder, the #8 being box to box midfielder and the #10 being the attacking midfielder. Last week Charley was playing as the #10, this week we seen him play as the #8. He didn’t look out of place at all, he looks small and slender, yet he’s Eden Hazard’s height and he’s stronger than he looks. Often hassling the opposition and winning the ball back, with excellent technical ability to hold onto possession when gained and helping Charlie Colkett to dictate the tempo.
Backline key to success.
The Chelsea defence had another very positive performance, working in tandem with each other, fighting as a unit. You would often see Tomori coming across to cover for Aina, or Clarke-Salter covering Da Silva. They worked well as a back-line, playing high up the pitch, very rarely getting caught out. The impressive work from these 4 guys allowed Chelsea’s midfield more freedom as they didn’t have to worry a lot about the defensive side of their games. Anything that went past the midfield was neatly cleared up by one of these defenders and turned into an attack. This free-scoring Man City side who have been very impressive against various other sides really struggled to create chances and that was mainly down to Chelsea having a very well organized defensive unit.
Chelsea Youth do the double.
So this time last week I spoke about the potential of a double, this week it’s achieved. After winning the UEFA Youth League, Chelsea have now went on to win the Youth Cup as well. This isn’t a one off either, it’s their 4th Youth Cup win in the last 6 years. This crop of youth players have dominated for years now and it’s time to start integrating them into the first team. There’s brilliant prospects in every position and I have every belief that this group of youngsters can go on next year and win again. They look streets ahead of all the other teams they’ve faced. This summer will be a very busy period for Chelsea’s board as many teams will be wanting to get most of these youth players on loan.
