Chelsea’s Attack Struggles Continue After 2-1 Defeat to Atalanta

Chelsea suffered a disappointing 2-1 defeat to Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League on October 31, 2023, marking their fifth consecutive away loss in the competition. The defeat raised questions about tactical decisions made by manager Enzo Maresca, particularly regarding the team’s attacking capabilities. Despite taking an early lead, Chelsea struggled to convert their opportunities into goals, ultimately falling short against a determined Atalanta side.

The match began with promise for Chelsea, as Reece James delivered a precise cross that Joao Pedro converted to give the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute. Chelsea appeared to be gaining momentum, successfully neutralizing Atalanta’s attacking threats early on. However, after their initial goal, Chelsea’s offensive output dwindled significantly; they managed only one shot on target during the remainder of the match, failing to capitalize on four separate incursions into the Atalanta penalty area.

The second half saw a resurgence from Atalanta, with Charles De Ketelaere noting that the Italian side increased their intensity. Chelsea’s inability to maintain control allowed Atalanta to equalize through Gianluca Scamacca, who headed in the equalizer after a corner kick. Following this goal, Chelsea struggled to regain their composure, with Maresca admitting, “After the goal we conceded, we lost a little bit of control of the game.”

This season, Chelsea’s attacking woes have been compounded by the absence of key players. The team’s overall attacking metrics have dropped significantly, with Chelsea averaging 31.7 penalty box touches per Premier League match last season compared to this season’s 26.7. Departures like Nicolas Jackson, who averaged 0.51 non-penalty expected goals per 90 minutes last season, have left a noticeable void in the squad. The current attacking lineup, featuring Fernandez, Joao Pedro, Jamie Gittens, and Pedro Neto, has averaged just 17.4 penalty box touches per 90 minutes, revealing a stark contrast to the output of previous formations.

While Chelsea dominated possession and had more touches in the attacking third, their inability to translate those opportunities into meaningful chances was evident against Atalanta. The Italian side recorded nine shots inside the box compared to Chelsea’s six, demonstrating a more efficient attacking strategy. Maresca’s side managed 155 touches in the attacking third, but this statistic belied the lack of genuine scoring threats posed to Atalanta’s defense.

Chelsea’s tactical adjustments have also been a point of contention. Maresca opted to bring on Alejandro Garnacho to bolster the attack but was unable to create substantial scoring opportunities. The absence of Cole Palmer, who is still being gradually reintegrated into the squad, was felt deeply. Palmer’s ability to maneuver in tight spaces could have provided the spark needed to ignite Chelsea’s attack.

As the season progresses, the pressure mounts for Chelsea to find their scoring rhythm. Maresca acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “If we want to try to finish top eight, we need to win both” of their remaining group games. The prospect of finishing outside the top eight in the league phase poses a challenge for a team that needs to develop consistency and confidence.

In summary, Chelsea’s latest defeat highlights ongoing issues with their attacking efficiency and tactical execution. As they prepare for future matches, the team must address these weaknesses to avoid further slip-ups in both domestic and European competitions. The road ahead may be challenging, but with the right adjustments, Chelsea can still hope to turn their fortunes around.