Chelsea’s striker situation needs addressing quickly or they’ll struggle to make top four
It
would be too simplistic to condemn a striker whenever they fail to find
the net and then praise them whenever they get on the score sheet.
There are so many different factors at play
in any given football match and while strikers provide the cutting edge,
they’re inevitably dependent on the ten team-mates working behind them
to get the ball into dangerous areas.
Alvaro Morata will feel that was the ultimate
problem for him on Sunday; while Chelsea had plenty of possession at
St. James’ Park – 81%, in fact – most of their forward advances were
painfully narrow, playing into the hands of Newcastle’s 5-4-1 formation.
That being said, on occasions like that the
best strikers in the world make chances for themselves, by hook or
crook, and ensure they have some impact on the game regardless.
Morata, though, only managed two efforts at
goal against the Magpies, neither of which hit the target, while failing
to register a single key pass, successful dribble or aerial duel. In
fact, he had just 20 touches of the ball – the only Chelsea starter to
fare worse was goalkeeper Kepa.
Maurizio
Sarri has continued to keep his faith in Morata but the longer this
spell of underwhelming form goes on for, the more it will impact
Chelsea’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League. Reliable
goalscorers are a fundamental part of any top side and while the rest of
the big six have at least one dependable front-man to call on, Chelsea
are persisting with a centre-forward who still looks completely devoid
of confidence and aggression.
Come the end of May, Morata’s modest form
could well be the difference between finishing inside and outside the
top four. So, Chelsea fans, which forward would you start next weekend
when the Blues host Bournemouth? Let us know by voting below…
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