2) Lack of Nemanja Matic
Without Matic, Chelsea were vulnerable in
defence, but also too slow in transition. Jon Obi
Mikel is too cautious in possession, and sits
much deeper than Matic when holding, meaning
that when Chelsea did win the ball back, they
were in their own half and Newcastle were able to
press forward and relive the pressure.
Solution:
Matic will return from suspension next week, and
won't have to worry about winning his spot back
from Mikel. In the future, when Matic is out,
Chelsea should consider playing a 4-3-3 with
Ramires, Mikel and Fabregas as a trio.
3) Poor performance from Cesc Fabregas
Fabregas got an assist from a set piece, but
apart from that put in his worst performance of
the season. This can partly be blamed on Mikel,
who didn't do enough to create space for his
midfield partner, but Fabregas looked tired.
Solution:
Fabregas needs to be rested, and Mourinho must
start rotating his side if he wants to get the best
out of them. The problem is that there are no real
alternatives for Fabregas in the squad. Oscar
might be able to do a job a bit deeper, but
Chelsea may have to look to the transfer market
or to the youth team for an alternative.
4) Defensive errors
Gary Cahill and John Terry have been imperious
all season, but against teams which sit deep and
draw Chelsea out, the pair look vulnerable. Gary
Cahill let the ball through his legs for the first
goal, and Terry won't be happy with the overall
performance.
Solution:
It's too early to call for Kurt Zouma to replace
either of the centre-backs, who have been superb
for three seasons now, but there is clearly some
coaching needed for when the team is setting up
against sides that sit deep and try to hit the
Blues on the break - which is most sides by this
point.
5) Tiredness
Jose Mourinho said this week that he wasn't
rotating because he "knew" when the players
needed a rest. He was wrong. The side's
performances are declining as the season goes on
and the players get more tired.
Solution:
Mourinho urgently needs to start using his squad
more. Players like Andre Schurrle may be out of
form, but they won't even play their way back
into it unless they are given the chance. Mourinho
must either use his squad players or sell them for
ones he considers worthy of starting for his
