‘Certain amount of insecurity’: Charlie Nicholas explains where he thinks Chelsea are still ‘a touch vulnerable’

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Charlie Nicholas believes that Chelsea are still “a touch vulnerable” this season when it comes to their defence.

Strangely, Nicholas has taken a small swipe at the Blues backline.

Thomas Tuchel’s side have conceded a fair few chances in some games this season as they strive to find their very best form. In particular, Chelsea’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the league saw their opponents manage 18 shots, with six on target.

There can be know doubting, though, that since Tuchel’s appointment as manager in January they’ve turned into one of Europe’s most elite defences.

They have conceded just once in the opening five Premier League games  this campaign. Meanwhile, Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy kept nine clean sheets in 12 Champions League appearances last season en route to winning the European crown.

Tuchel has helped several Chelsea defenders find peak form. For instance, German centre-half Antonio Rudiger has been a colossus in 2021 with some of his powerhouse displays.

“I still think they are a touch vulnerable at the back,” Nicholas said.

“I think that’s why they play the back-three because there is a certain amount of insecurity when you go to a back-three.”

Chelsea defence in an extremely healthy place

It’s understandable why people point the finger at Chelsea being defensive with their 3-4-2-1 formation.  However, you only have to watch how far their wing-backs push up to see they are still willing to commit bodies forward and sustain attacks. 

They are now working from a much more solid backline, with great defences so often the hallmark of trophy-winning teams.

Tuchel’s system is so effective that he can still find great success when he rotates personnel.

He’s in a great position where any combination of Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta and Trevoh Chalobah can do a great job as a centre-backs in a back-three.

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