Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton had anticipated that Mauricio Pochettino would frequently alter the lineup for the ongoing season.
However, he finds it intriguing that Pochettino has consistently fielded the same group of players in all six of Chelsea’s Premier League matches.
Speaking on The Monday Night Club, Sutton remarked, “What catches my attention in their first six games is that I had expected him to frequently rotate players, but there are eight players who have started every game.
This continuity has allowed them to gain momentum and cohesion.”
However, when comparing Chelsea’s starting eleven to those of Manchester City and Liverpool, Sutton believes it falls short, describing it as more of a development squad.
The eight players who have been ever-present under Pochettino include Axel Disasi, Conor Gallagher, Enzo Fernandez, Levi Colwill, Nicolas Jackson, Raheem Sterling, Robert Sanchez, and Thiago Silva.
Nevertheless, this number will decrease to at least seven in the upcoming match against Fulham, as Jackson will be suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card against Aston Villa last weekend.
Despite having a core group of players who have featured in every Premier League game, Pochettino’s team has not yet found its rhythm.
It appears that more time is required for the team to establish chemistry, which is understandable given the presence of numerous new players who are still acquainting themselves with one another.
However, Pochettino cannot afford to wait indefinitely, especially considering Chelsea’s lackluster start to the season. He must witness on-field partnerships forming soon, with the hope that this cohesion will translate into victories for the Blues.
Chelsea has only managed to secure one victory in the Premier League this season, which was against Luton Town, a team currently languishing in the relegation zone.
If Chelsea aims to defeat stronger opponents and secure a top-four finish, a prospect that currently appears unlikely, Pochettino must expedite the process of his team coming together and performing cohesively as a unit.