Chelsea’s lack of leadership in defence was exposed during their 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Again.
A calamitous opening quarter of an hour at Stamford Bridge saw Forest race into a two goal lead. Taiwo Awoniyi’s header. Igor Jesus’ penalty. Game over before it really started.
Awoniyi scored his second just after half time. Joao Pedro’s incredible bicycle kick in stoppage time was a mere consolation on another difficult afternoon.
The Blues have now lost six successive league matches for the first time since November 1993. Six. In a row.
That puts them at huge risk of missing out on European football. Unless, of course, they win the FA Cup.
THIAGO SILVA WATCHED ON AND MUST HAVE Cringed
Former Stamford Bridge hero Thiago Silva was in the crowd. He will have noticed the same thing everyone else did. A complete lack of leadership at the back.
Awoniyi was completely unmarked inside the 18 yard box for his header. Unmarked. Then Malo Gusto’s reckless decision to pull the Nigerian’s jersey cost his side a penalty.
Silva was a stalwart at the back for Chelsea. His ability to help younger players and set the standard was crucial. Since he left in 2024, that void hasn’t been filled.
BlueCo have preferred investing in promising talent instead of experienced heads. Tosin Adorobioyo. Benoit Badiashile. Wesley Fofana. Trevoh Chalobah. Mamadou Sarr.
All need someone of Silva’s ilk to anchor a defence that lacks anyone taking control.
THE MANAGER SITUATION AND WHAT COMES NEXT
Whoever Chelsea appoint to permanently replace Liam Rosenior must address this issue when the transfer window opens in June. Otherwise, the same problems will happen again.
A disappointing campaign can only be somewhat salvaged if Chelsea win the FA Cup final against Manchester City. That would end their 13 match winless run in the fixture.
But beyond this season? BlueCo’s priority is hiring the right manager. Many feel Xabi Alonso is the perfect candidate to lead the Club World Cup winners into a new era.
If they can somehow persuade Alonso to work under the controversial owners? That’s a big if.
PREMIER LEAGUE PROVEN TALENT ON THE AGENDA
It’s already been revealed that Chelsea will target Premier League proven talent this summer. A similar strategy to what Manchester United did when they captured Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo from Wolves and Brentford.
Chelsea need defenders. Leaders. Players who won’t crumble when the pressure is on.
Six straight league defeats. Ninth in the table. A defence that looks like it’s never met each other before training.
The priority is clear. The question is whether Chelsea actually do something about it.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Thiago Silva left a hole. Nobody has filled it. Until someone does, Chelsea will keep leaking goals and losing games.
Forest were clinical. Chelsea were calamitous. And the worst part? It wasn’t even a surprise.
Xabi Alonso. Premier League-proven talent. A defensive leader. That’s the summer shopping list.
Now go get it. Because this isn’t working. And everyone can see it.
