Many people wondered how Chelsea went out with such a poor and heavily rotated team that was not at the required level against Wrexham in the FA Cup.
Liam Rosenior made 9 changes from Aston Villa.
Chelsea’s lineup was disappointing, with players who are not standard, and the performances of the players. Lavia, Tosin, Badiashile, Acheampong, and Delap.
These are players who are not good enough for the starting lineup, and they certainly did not shine.
It was an extra time clash with a lot of stoppage time. It was not working for Chelsea since they are playing in Paris on Wednesday and were already there in their thoughts.
Dario Essugo decided the match, and Chelsea broke Wrexham with key assists after their red card, from which they never recovered.
Rosenior had options on the bench but did not make many changes until the 65th minute. Why? Why did he choose that lineup?
Many sports journalists and commentators asked the same question: why did Chelsea play with such a lineup, why did Rosenior field such a weak team, and why were there not many changes from the Aston Villa game?
The answer is clear.
Chelsea play PSG on Wednesday, with the return leg in London next week. Their success in the Champions League will define Chelsea’s season, and therefore, the FA Cup match was not the priority.
Chelsea were already thinking about Paris.
They could have been eliminated from the FA Cup, but they advanced. Rosenior rested Reece James, Chalobah, Jorgensen, Cole Palmer, and Enzo Fernández.
Joao Pedro did not spend much time either; he came on as a substitute and scored the final goal.
The one that made Chelsea advance and pass by Wexham.
PSG vs Chelsea!
Chelsea is preparing for the most important match of their season against PSG. Even if Chelsea had been eliminated against Wreham, it would have been acceptable given the two crucial Champions League clashes with PSG.
The team must minimise unnecessary energy expenditure, the players need rest, and the entire squad must be fully focused on PSG, as that match will define Chelsea’s season.
PSG lost to Monaco on Friday night in League One.
Postponed Nantes game is postponed next week.
PSG lost to Monaco on Friday in Ligue 1. They play Chelsea in Paris on Wednesday, and next week their match against Nantes has been postponed by the French federation to give them more rest.
Meanwhile, Chelsea will play in Paris against PSG, then host Newcastle at Stamford Bridge, which is also less important than PSG.
Rosnior will be resting many players before hosting PSG in the return leg in London. And Chelsea will not be good against Newcastle like they would be in a normal situation.
Chelsea played Wrexham on Saturday, and the week before that their opponent was Aston Villa — a match where the focus had to be maintained for the full ninety minutes.
Chelsea’s new tactics played against Aston Villa and Wrexham.
Chelsea’s new 3-4-3 tactical setup was seen against Aston Villa and Wrexham, and the club is preparing for the upcoming match in every possible way. Chelsea have a crucial task ahead of them, and they could easily have been eliminated from the FA Cup.
However, Essugo resolved the match with two assists, while the red card for Wrexham completely decided the game.
If Chelsea had faced a stronger opponent than Wrexham, it would have been very realistic for them to be eliminated.
People who understand football should not criticise Chelsea for their performance against Wrexham. The fact that Liam Rosenior made nine changes says everything. PSG will decide Chelsea’s season, and the team is completely dedicated to that challenge. If Chelsea progresses, they will reach the quarterfinals, and from there, winning the Champions League becomes possible.
Liam Rosenior was aware that his team could be eliminated, and he took a risk, while Chelsea protected their key players for a very good reason.
The Champions League is far more important, and compared to it, the FA Cup is almost irrelevant.
This Chelsea lineup will never start again. Maybe we will see something similar against Newcastle when Chelsea knows what priority is and what is not.
Chelsea: Sanchez, Acheampong, Tosin (c), Badiashile, Sarr, Hato, Lavia, Santos, Neto, Garnacho, Delap
Was starting line-up against Wreham.
Nevertheless, Chelsea still managed to go through.
Chelsea’s chances against PSG.
Concerning Chelsea’s chances against PSG, the key point is that Chelsea can advance, but the defence will be decisive. Two or three mistakes could be fatal.
Chelsea has shown great tactics, and Rosenior can easily outplay PSG and advance. It would not be a surprise.
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