Chelsea are holding the advantage in the knockout tie against Malmo FF in the Europa League. The Blues are going to have an important week after the end of this match as they are going to face two Manchester clubs in two Cup competitions. So, it was important for the Blues to finish this tie within the first leg; but their job is only half done. One goal in each half by Ross Barkley and Olivier Giroud gave Chelsea the advantage in this tie. However, Malmo FF pulled one goal back with a strike from Anders Christiansen.
The talking points from the match between Chelsea and Malmo FF are actually issues that still need to be addressed:
1. Maurizio Sarri’s Stubborn Attitude Will Let Him Down :
The Italian manager of the Blues did not make enough changes in the starting lineup of his side, for this match against Malmo FF. The likes of David Luiz, Cesar Azpilicueta and Jorginho are yet again playing continuously and if they continue to play two matches every week, the injuries will surely be on the cards for them. Maurizio Sarri will now have to look into this matter seriously and stop being stubborn.
2. Not Giving Enough Chances To The Youngsters :
The likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ethan Ampadu are very much promising youngsters of the Blues. They will surely get their chances in any other top team of Europe at this moment. Callum Hudson-Odoi was seeking the permission of leaving the club at the end of this winter transfer window. However, the club management of Chelsea were reluctant to give Callum Hudson Odoi the opportunity to develop himself in a new club. The 18 year old English youngster is not getting enough match practice and that’s why he has submitted the transfer request. These Europa League matches are the perfect place to show the talent. However, Maurizio Sarri is still not considering Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ethan Ampadu as an option in the starting lineup of the Blues.
3. Chelsea Not Looking Like The Champions :
Europa League of this season is consisting of various top sides in European football including Napoli, Lazio, Inter Milan, Arsenal, Sevilla. All the teams will give their best to win this tournament at the end of the season. The competition is going to be tougher from the next round. However, the way Chelsea are playing in this season, it might be difficult for them to win this competition in this season.
4. Kepa Arrizabalaga Lacks Sharpness Between The Sticks :
The confidence level of a Goalkeeper goes down to a level after conceding more than 5 goals in a single match and from there it is very much difficult to make a comeback in the next match. However, in modern football the recovery time is very much short for a player. The reflexes of Kepa Arrizabalaga is still under doubt as he is not able to make some World class saves to uplift his confidence level. Moreover, he is letting some easy ball go into the net and the pressure is certainly increasing on him day by day.
