The Regista - Chelsea vs Middlesbrough tactical review: Poch change sees Enzo dominate; Chilwell return makes difference
Tribalfootball.com's tactics expert Connor Holden pulls apart Chelsea's 6-1 Carabao Cup semifinal rout of Middlesbrough and finds a surprise change of role for Enzo Fernandez the key to the comfortable victory.
Chelsea responded to their 1-0 loss against Middlesbrough a few weeks ago, coming out and putting six past them at Stamford Bridge.
Mauricio Pochettino started with a very positive side, looking to take the game to Boro early on, and we are going to take a look at some key tactical decisions that affected the game.
CHELSEA SETUP
Chelsea set up in a 4-2-3-1 from the get-go, shifting into a 3-2-4-1 at times, and even a 3-1-5-1 early in the game.
The dynamic in this game between Ben Chilwell and Enzo Fernandez was very interesting, and this is something we need to take a look at.
Cole Palmer was deployed in the central attacking midfield area, but had a lot of license to move, come deeper at times to collect the ball, and also interchange on the right with Raheem Sterling to find space for himself.
Axel Disasi was used as a right-back in this game, much like Levi Colwill who is a natural central defender who has been used at left-back this season. This is due to injuries, but also due to the nature of the back three Chelsea form in possession at times, with one fullback pushing on and providing width (Chilwell on this occasion).
Armando Broja led the line for the Blues with Nicolas Jackson (AFCON) and Christopher Nkunku (injury) unavailable.
CHILWELL AND ENZO DYNAMIC
Enzo started the game much higher up the pitch, looking like a second striker at times, which caused a bit of early confusion amongst Chelsea fans.
But it soon became apparent what Pochettino had planned, and this was due to how
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