Chelsea put out a lineup to start this game that everyone thought would be a 4-3-3, and when Carlo Ancelotti hinted pre-game that it was not, in fact, a 4-3-3, most people were pretty confused. Apparently, he said we’d just have to wait and see with a sly tone. After 15 minutes of play, his team’s shape has become completely visible as both teams (and I) have settled in, and it’s an unmistakable 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree setup. Florent Malouda and Ramires are flanking Michael Essien in the center of midfield, while Nicolas Anelka and Framk Lampard are both operating behind Fernando Torres as duel trequartistas with some positional freedom.
Manchester United Vs. Chelsea FC, UEFA Champions League: Blues’ Christmas Tree Interesting, If Nothing Else
It is, if nothing else, interesting. The team has had a few jitters figuring out exactly how they’re supposed to play in this setup, but they’ve created some shots and they look very capable of keeping possession. Thus far, their lack of width from midfield/forward players and their fullbacks pushing high up the pitch hasn’t been a problem.
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