Mauricio Pochettino conducted a number of experiments when it came to his team selection for Chelsea yesterday.
In an attempt to rest some of his key players, Malo Gusto was not seen at all in the squad, leaving a natural centre back to fill in his role.
Table of Contents
Pochettino makes changes for Sheffield United game
He also made some changes in attack, admitting after the game that he was keen to see Cole Palmer in a slightly different position to normal.
Another player who saw his role change was Conor Gallagher, with him featuring on the left wing and enduring a rough evening.
He was essentially a replacement for Mykhailo Mudryk, who has been impressing recently after being given some decent minutes by the manager.
However, the decision to start Noni Madueke, who far prefers playing on the right instead, saw the need to switch up a number of his players around him.
Starting the England U21 man certainly paid off, with him firing home what looked as if it was going to be the winner midway through the second half.
MORE CHELSEA STORIES
Chelsea missed Mudryk and need him next week
However, it was becoming clear just how unbalanced the team was in attack, with neither Gallagher or Marc Cucurella holding the attacking assets necessary to make an impact on that side.
They were crying out for a natural left winger, and Pochettino should absolutely know this before going into their next game against Everton on Monday.
The Blues’ chance at qualifying for European football is fading, and it has left them in a situation where every single game is a must win from here.
This is likely key for Pochettino’s status as Chelsea manager too. The Argentine is under supreme pressure at this stage.
It is widely considered that he would need to finish in these places in order to keep his job for next season, and right now this is looking a tough task for his players to carry out for him.
