The contrast between the first half and second half of last night’s Chelsea game was amazing.
Yet in the second we let the away team turn the game around, and didn’t look like we had the energy or ideas to turn the tide back.
This isn’t the first time we’ve seen a similar pattern, either. It’s becoming quite a common theme, especially in this recent poor run. Earlier in the season we were scoring enough early that a drop off in the second half wasn’t hurting us. Now we don’t quite have the energy to get the first half goals we need, so the decline later in the game ends up costing us points.
Chelsea group shot after Cole Palmer’s opening goal. (Photo by Darren Walsh/Chelsea FC)
Enzo Maresca was asked about this pattern in his press conference after the game, and had some interesting thoughts on it:
“Yeah, for sure it is one of the things we need to improve. Palace game in the second-half, we didn’t concede too much. Ipswich, in the second-half, after the second goal, we didn’t create many chances, but the one which is very clear is tonight,” the manager said.
“The way we were playing, there was only one team on the pitch in first-half and that was Chelsea. After the penalty was scored, it is not normal for the way we dropped so we need to understand the reason why and try to improve.
“I have no doubt for the players, they need to go through this kind of moment and live this moment and in the future, we are going to be better and better.”
Belgium
