On to Chelsea. AVB’s first game in charge, and his much talked about attacking 4-3-3 used at Porto to such outstanding effect didn’t create the win he would’ve wanted. Chelsea have long played variations of 4-3-3, with varying attacking focus – all the way back to Mourinho. Mourinho used traditional wingers such as Robben, Duff and Shaun Wright-Phillips, other have used converted strikers such as Anelka. AVB, showing again his Mourinho influence went with wingers Kalou and Malouda, with Torres in the middle, but by the end of the game both had been brought off for strikers Drogba and Anelka. AVB’s first big task is to get Spaniard firing again, and starting him ahead of Drogba is a big call. Chelsea’s midfield three was Mikel, Lampard and Ramires; with Mikel in the defensive holding position. The formation seemed to be an adventurous blend of 4-1-2-2-1 changing into a 4-3-3 and finally 4-3-1-2 as Benayoun was brought on for Torres to provide that bit of invention to link midfield and attack. Torres would be thankful of getting a few minutes on the same pitch as Benayoun.
Stoke Vs Chelsea-Tactical Analysis
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