This season has certainly delivered some memorable moments, but it’s also been riddled with disappointments and recurring frustrations that continue to plague Chelsea. The most recent match served as yet another example of the team’s troubling inconsistency — especially in defense.
Chelsea started the game strongly, dominating the opening 20 minutes with confidence and control. They appeared to be on track for a straightforward performance, as their early pressure and possession suggested they were poised to take the lead. However, in a frustratingly familiar scenario, a brief lapse in focus and defensive discipline proved costly. Rather than capitalizing on their early momentum, Chelsea gifted their opponents a goal, turning what could have been a comfortable match into a tense and potentially catastrophic affair.
The breakdown began with Marc Cucurella, who was deployed in a hybrid midfield role that has become increasingly common under Enzo Maresca’s tactical setup. During an attacking phase, Cucurella lost possession of the ball in a dangerous area, exposing Chelsea’s left side. As he scrambled to recover and block the ensuing cross, Ipswich had already advanced deep into the penalty area. Although Cucurella managed to partially recover and apply some pressure, the cross still made its way into the box.
At that point, Chelsea’s defenders had an opportunity to neutralize the threat, but a lack of communication and awareness proved costly. Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez remained static on his line, failing to anticipate the danger. Meanwhile, Julio Enciso managed to sneak in between Levi Colwill and Tosin Adarabioyo unmarked, finishing the move with a simple tap-in that should have been easily prevented.
This episode is yet another glaring reminder of Chelsea’s ongoing defensive instability. While Cucurella’s inverted role offers tactical flexibility, it also comes with significant risks, especially when the team is not defensively organized behind the ball. Opponents like Ipswich, who might not boast elite attacking talent, can still exploit these structural weaknesses with alarming ease.
Moreover, the frequent rotation of Chelsea’s central defenders continues to undermine any hope of building a cohesive defensive unit. The lack of consistent partnerships at the back has resulted in a fragmented and error-prone defense, unable to respond effectively to even routine threats. Until Maresca establishes a settled and synchronized backline, Chelsea will likely continue to suffer from these costly mistakes. The need for improvement — both in individual focus and overall defensive organization — has never been more urgent.
