Both Chelsea and Sunderland are currently tied on Premier League points, with Sunderland sitting impressively in seventh place after their 2-0 victory against Wolves. Chelsea, on the other hand, is riding high from two consecutive wins, including a convincing 3-0 triumph at Nottingham Forest. Added to this dynamic is the growing intrigue surrounding Chelsea’s coach, Enzo Maresca, who has reportedly piqued the interest of Juventus. As Maresca prepares for this match, he will be eager to demonstrate his tactical acumen on home soil. One crucial selection could be the key to their performance: Tosin Adarabioyo.
Tosin Adarabioyo’s Return
Adarabioyo has recently recovered from a minor injury and made a brief appearance against Nottingham Forest. He then started in the Champions League match against Ajax but was substituted at halftime as a precaution. While some fans expressed dissatisfaction with his performance in the match against Bayern Munich, his imposing height of six feet five inches is undeniably valuable. At that height, he could almost change a lightbulb at the top of Stamford Bridge without using a ladder.
Strategizing Against Sunderland’s Strengths
Chelsea’s coaching staff has paid close attention to Sunderland’s throw-in strategy. This season, only Brentford has executed more throw-ins into the box, which suggests that Maresca may choose to give Adarabioyo another start. The center-back was acquired on a free transfer primarily for his aerial abilities and towering stature—skills that can be crucial against opponents who rely on long throws.
Historical Context at Stamford Bridge
Set-pieces have often posed significant challenges for visiting teams at Stamford Bridge, and Sunderland’s recent visits highlight this trend:
- May 2017: Chelsea 5 – Sunderland 1
- December 2015: Chelsea 3 – Sunderland 1
- May 2015: Chelsea 3 – Sunderland 1
- April 2014: Sunderland 2 – Chelsea 1
Despite Sunderland’s history of struggling in set-piece situations against Chelsea, they will undoubtedly be confident based on their recent form, especially considering their strengths in set plays.
Addressing Set-Piece Vulnerabilities
Chelsea faced a troubling lesson during their match against Brentford, where Adarabioyo was part of the defense that conceded a late goal from a long throw. This incident was not solely due to a lack of height, but rather a breakdown in communication, particularly with Alejandro Garnacho losing track of his assignment at the back post. Therefore, simply stacking the defense with tall players will not solve every problem.
Sunderland also offers additional offensive threats beyond just their set-pieces, which means Chelsea needs to maintain focus throughout the match.
The Tactical Decision Ahead
Maresca’s decision is clear: if he aims to neutralize Sunderland’s aerial threat, he must include Adarabioyo in the lineup. However, that is just one part of the equation. Success will also depend on attention to detail, effective communication, and the confidence that comes from playing at home. If everything falls into place, the roof—and the fans’ scarves—may remain secure, without any need for a ladder.
In summary, this match promises to be a critical test for both teams, and the strategic choices made by Chelsea and Maresca will be pivotal in determining the outcome.