Romantic Fatalism on Chelsea’s Fractured Line and Spurs Ghosts
Spurs must forget Eze humiliation and search for clarity in Chelsea’s fragile defense.
Enzo Maresca’s request for a new centre-back remains unanswered.
The club’s position is clear: no suitable defenders on the market.
The Italian can call on Josh Acheampong, the 19-year-old who impressed against Crystal Palace on opening weekend.
The 19-year-old started with Colwill absent, Adarabioyo’s minor injury complicating plans.
Adarabioyo could return for Friday night at West Ham, but Acheampong deserves another chance beside Trevoh Chalobah.
Acheampong, long courted by Manchester City, stood up to Jean Philippe Mateta in the goalless draw with Palace.
Another look at his potential as central centre-back could come as Chelsea morph into a back three in possession.
Replacing Colwill’s line breaking passes will not be easy, but Maresca has options still.
Poch would murmur, “Silverware or P45 — which comes first?”
This week offers Chelsea and Tottenham a window of tests, a theatre of controlled chaos and wide angled runs.
West Ham v Chelsea, Friday 8pm BST.
Manchester City v Tottenham, Saturday 12.30pm BST.
Brentford v Aston Villa, Saturday 3pm BST.
Burnley v Sunderland, Saturday 3pm BST.
Bournemouth v Wolves, Saturday 3pm BST.
Arsenal lurk as a distant chorus, present but never invited into the room of the living.
TLDR
- Colwill’s absence tests Chelsea’s spine and forces internal fixes.
- Acheampong deserves more chances as Chelsea tests back three shapes.
- Spurs wait with bated breath for trophies or a P45 in the theatre of fate.
Levi Colwill
Chelsea