Chelsea vs Swansea: Four things we learnt

Thibaut Courtois was sent-off as Chelsea were held to a 2-2 draw on the opening day of the season by Swansea at Stamford Bridge.

http://www.footylogue.com/chelsea-vs-swansea-four-things-learnt/

Montero is Ivanovic’s kryptonite

Jefferson Montero’s raw pace and trickery got the best of Ivanovic every time they met. Ivanovic struggled to catch up with him let alone contain him.

Montero was the most successful dribbler on the opening day of the season – 6 successful, 2 unsuccessful.
The Ecuadorian won 10 duels (50/50s) – more than any Chelsea player.
He whipped in seven crosses – more than any Chelsea player.
Montero broke the sound barrier 3 times
Although Montero was “subbed”, he got very high ratings.


Garry Monk’s front-line setup was spot on


Playing a 4-2-3-1 with more mobility from Montero and Ayew was very hard for Chelsea’s defence to deal with. This is probably a better option to playing a true one-man upfront with the wingers being more defense conscious.


Ivanovic’s overlapping did not help

Many times during the game, Ivanovic overlapped. In fact, being out of position played a role in Gomis’ onside position, as a less defense-minded Willian ruined the offside trap. Also, Ivanovic’s delivery when he got the ball in advanced positions was poor – quite unlike him.


Chelsea seem to have changed their talisman from Hazard to nobody

Last season, the Blues could do nothing without Hazard and he duly performed when he was needed. They played in a way that always set Hazard up for impact. Every move was around Hazard’s pace and flair. In the team’s first match, it looked like they have deviated from this pattern.

http://www.footylogue.com/chelsea-vs-swansea-four-things-learnt/