Some Chelsea fans spot Thomas Tuchel tactical switch during opening minutes of Brighton clash
Some Chelsea fans spot Thomas Tuchel tactical switch during opening minutes of Brighton clash
Chelsea take on Brighton
Chelsea are returning to Stamford Bridge as they host Brighton and Hove Albion in their final Premier League game of 2021.
The Blues have struggled in recent weeks through a mixture of injury and COVID-19 illness, which saw Thomas Tuchel only able to name 6 substitutes at one point away to Wolves.
And while their lot has improved somewhat in the last week, they are still looking light, with Thiago Silva and Timo Werner still out, while Kai Havertz was only fit enough to make the bench.
Your Chelsea team news tonight! 🔵@ParimatchGlobal | #CheBha pic.twitter.com/wPjevIyJnz
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) December 29, 2021
Should they fail to win this evening, they could find themselves 9 points behind league leaders Manchester City, and almost out of the title race, by the New Year, with Pep Guardiola’s side in action against Brentford this evening too.
And, in the opening minutes against the Seagulls, Chelsea fans noticed a new tactical tweak.
Reece James’ new position
In light of the news that Ben Chilwell would miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury sustained against Juventus, that now requires surgery, Chelsea’s left back slot is in the spotlight.
Marcos Alonso is the only recognised left-back still in the squad, but cannot play every game leaving Thomas Tuchel needing to improvise to find solutions.
And, against Brighton, he trialled a new one, moving star wing-back Reece James from the right side to the left in order to counter the threat of former Chelsea academy man Tariq Lamptey.
Reece James is lining up on the left of the back five prior to kick off. #CFC
— Sam Inkersole (@Sam_InkersoleTM) December 29, 2021
Reece James left wing-back
— Matt Law (@Matt_Law_DT) December 29, 2021
1′ Away we go. James LWB and Pulisic RWB to start. [0-0] https://t.co/cf3QmkD5Rs
— Sam Inkersole (@Sam_InkersoleTM) December 29, 2021
Is this a long term solution, or will Chelsea be dipping into the market for a new wing back when it opens in 3 days time?
