4-Game Winless Streak: Can Chelsea Survive EPL Second Half?

Chelsea’s journey through the 2024/25 Premier League season has been anything but smooth. Despite a revamped squad and high expectations under Enzo Maresca, the Blues have found themselves caught in a frustrating cycle of inconsistency.

A winless streak extending to four games threatens to derail their ambitions, raising questions about Maresca’s tactics, the players’ performances, and the club’s ability to turn things around.This piece is set to discuss Chelsea’s recent performances, tactical setup, player struggles, and what needs to change for the club to salvage their season.

Chelsea’s Recent Performances: A Familiar Pattern

To address the situation at Chelsea and predict their future successes, a critical look at their previous performances in the league is needed.

While we have known Chelsea to be an inconsistent club in title challenge or securing a top-four finish, this season proved otherwise, gathering attention from the media if they are real title contenders. However, judging by their 4-game winless streak, the familiar pattern has resurfaced and doubts has aroused amongst fans and critics.

Despite dominating possession and creating chances, their lack of cutting-edge finishing has continuously allowed opposition teams to grab away points from them. A humbling defeat away from home against Ipswich Town that exposed Chelsea’s defensive frailties. Ipswich’s high press and quick transitions overwhelmed the Blues.

Another was their home loss to Fulham which was a surprise to many after taking the lead in the first only to concede to goals late in the second half. Despite numerous attempts at goal, Chelsea managed just a couple on target, underscoring their attacking inefficiency.

Furthermore, their last game against Crystal Palace last week undermines their ability as a team to be ready and willing for the title challenge. While the performances have not been disastrous, their inability to convert possession into results is alarming, making them to skip the title race or even struggle for a top-four finish.

Maresca’s Tactics: Promises and Problems

Appointed after a stint as Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City, Enzo Maresca was expected to bring a fresh tactical approach to Stamford Bridge. While there have been glimpses of promise, his system has exposed fundamental flaws.

Upon his arrival at the Bridge, Chelsea’s build-up from the back has improved under Maresca, with midfielders like Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo dictating tempo and linking play effectively.

Moreover, players like Cole Palmer, Nicholas Jackson, Enzo Fernández, Noni Madueke to mention just a few have flourished under Maresca, showing potential as future stars. Furthermore, when executed well, Chelsea’s pressing system forces opponents into mistakes, as seen in their impressive win against Tottenham Hotspur last December.

Regardless of the improvement Chelsea has made under Maresca some flaws still prove fundamental and require a well concerted effort for a positive change. Chelsea’s goals per game average this season due to the recent poor performance has become limited, ranking 6th in the league for goals scored.

Striker, Nicolas Jackson has struggled to find his form, which he was enjoying before this unfortunate circumstances at the club, while others like Pedro Neto and Jadon Sancho are either inconsistent or not showing enough fire in the attack and to support the team

Additionally, the Blues have conceded 9 goals in 5 matches, with defensive lapses costing them crucial points. Defenders like Axel Disassi have shown more errors leading to goals with poor ball handling and passing accuracy, the high defensive line, while ambitious, has left them vulnerable to counterattacks.

Furthermore, Maresca’s insistence on possession-heavy football, even against teams that thrive on counterattacks, has made Chelsea predictable and ineffective in key moments.

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What Chelsea Needs to Change?

It will not be enough to discuss the challenges that Maresca’s Chelsea are facing currently but to explore alternatives that will produce positive change in the club.

However, the bulk of the work lays heavily on Maresca as the coach. Maresca must adapt his tactics to suit different opponents. Against deep-lying teams, faster transitions and more direct play are necessary to break through compact defenses. Against pressing teams, Chelsea needs to vary their buildup to avoid becoming predictable.

Chelsea needs reinforcements in key areas; a proven striker and solid defense Chelsea’s inability to finish chances demands the acquisition of a clinical forward. Names like Victor Osimhen have been linked, and signing him could transform their attack, over reliance on Jackson in the attack has proven costly for Maresca’s Chelsea.

Additionally, injuries to key players like Wesley Fofana have exposed Chelsea’s defensive frailties. A versatile defender is essential to shore up the backline and maintain defensive solidity. Moreover, Chelsea’s constant turnover of players has hindered team cohesion. Maresca must establish a stable starting XI and foster better communication between players to create a more unified team

Furthermore, a focus on mental resilience is crucial, Chelsea has struggled to respond to setbacks in games, often crumbling under pressure. Improved mental preparation and leadership on the pitch could help turn tight matches in their favor.

Can Chelsea Survive the Second Half of the EPL?

Finally, to explore and analyze the main reason for this piece, comes the question, “can Chelsea survive the second half of the league considering their poor start this year and the winless streak which has entered four matches.

Chelsea’s survival in the league is not in doubt, but their ability to meet expectations and salvage a respectable finish is uncertain. With 18 games remaining, there is still time to turn things around, but only if Maresca addresses the tactical and psychological flaws plaguing the team.

If Chelsea can improve their finishing, tighten their defense, and show greater tactical flexibility, a top-eight finish is achievable. However, failure to adapt could see them end the season in mediocrity, further eroding the club’s reputation as one of England’s elite.

The second half of the season will be a defining period for Chelsea and Maresca, who must now prove he is capable of leading the Blues through adversity. For a club with Chelsea’s ambitions, anything less than a strong finish would be a major disappointment.