Analysis: Chelsea

Chelsea set up in a 4-3-3 on paper, but in practice this often took the form of a 4-1-4-1, with Mateo Kovacic and N’Golo Kante playing ahead of the second line of Bournemouth’s defensive block. Maurizio Sarri’s side looked to build through the central triangle of Antonio Rudiger, David Luiz and Jorginho, the latter pair more commonly responsible for passing through to the next line.

Maurizio Sarri’s team favoured exploiting Bournemouth’s left side in the first half, and would concentrate high numbers in that area and the half-space nearby. High numbers simultaneously allowed for quick play in the build-up and brought more Bournemouth players over to that side, creating more space for the switch to Marcos Alonso on the Chelsea left. It also enabled the Blues to immediately counter-press, should they lose possession.

The positioning of Chelsea’s forwards, meanwhile, allowed Kovacic to frequently get on the ball between the lines before turning and driving at the Bournemouth defence. Alvaro Morata and Eden Hazard would play on the top line and effectively pin the defenders back, while Kovacic would then position himself midway between the opposition’s defensive and midfield lines. If a midfielder dropped to pick up Kovacic, a large gap for diagonal passes through the second line would open; if a defender stepped up to mark him, Hazard or Morata could get in behind through the newly created space. Kovacic was able to receive the ball on regular occasions, as a result.

The introduction of the aerially strong Olivier Giroud shortly after the hour mark allowed for more direct play. Morata could well possess this attribute, but he is yet to suggest he’s as effective as his teammate in this approach. The change of Pedro for Willian a few minutes later was more or less like for like, although Pedro played inside more than his Brazilian teammate.

Chelsea spent little time in an organised shape out of possession, as their defending tended to come in the form of a counter-press or retreating to defend a counter-attack should the counter-press not be on. On the rare occasions Bournemouth chose to play out from the back, the Blues would initiate an immediate high press and look to force their opponents into mistakes on the ball or direct passes that their back line could deal with effectively.

Kante and Kovacic would take up advanced roles in the press and would lock on to Bournemouth’s central midfield pairing, while Hazard, Morata and Willian (later Hazard, Giroud and Pedro) would look to trouble the Bournemouth back three. Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta would be ready to press the full-backs, should they get on the ball, while Jorginho would help to protect the central area with Rudiger and Luiz.