The January transfer window might be Chelsea’s last chance to salvage their first campaign under Pochettino.
Chelsea is facing a myriad of challenges in the current Premier League season, struggling to find their rhythm under Mauricio Pochettino. But after spending more than £1Billion on transfers and loan fees, the Blues still face an unexpected issue: a lack of impact from substitutes.
Pochettino’s arrival brought hopes of a dynamic squad, but the reality is starkly different, especially when it comes to the impact of Chelsea’s substitutes during the current campaign.
Worst substitutes in Premier League
The statistics paint a rather bleak picture of offensive struggles, with Chelsea’s substitutes managing to contribute just two goal involvements in the first 17 games of the season. This meagre statistic stands as the lowest in the entire Premier League. The two contributions came from Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku, who found the net against Burnley and Wolves, respectively. Such a limited impact raises significant questions about the efficacy of Pochettino’s substitutions and the overall depth of Chelsea’s attacking prowess beyond the starting XI.
Comparatively, Arsenal’s substitutes have been far more prolific, notching up an impressive 11 goal involvements in slightly more playing time. This stark contrast underscores potential weaknesses in Chelsea’s squad-building and recruitment strategy.
Is Chelsea’s squad too young?
A deeper analysis reveals that age plays a pivotal role in Chelsea’s bench dynamics. The average age of Chelsea’s substitutes’ bench this season is a mere 21 years and 237 days, making it the youngest among all Premier League teams. While the injection of youthful energy can be an asset, the lack of top-flight experience among the substitutes is becoming a legitimate concern for the London club.
January Plans
Pochettino’s recent call for additional players in the upcoming January transfer window seems well-founded, given the current state of the substitutes’ contributions. Chelsea’s struggles to secure victories, combined with being in a winning position for only 25% of Premier League minutes, underscores the pressing need for substitutes who can decisively influence the outcome of matches.
In contrast, other top Premier League clubs boast experienced heads on their benches, providing valuable options in times of need. Pochettino faces the formidable challenge of striking the right balance between youthful exuberance and seasoned experience, seeking substitutes who can not only provide fresh legs but also turn the tide in Chelsea’s favor when required.
As the January transfer window looms on the horizon, all eyes are on Chelsea’s board to provide the necessary financial backing. Chelsea’s top priority appears to be securing the services of a world class striker, a move that could provide the missing link for their underperforming attacking line.
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