Despite their largely disappointing start to the season, it is the underlying statistics that have reassured Chelsea’s bosses that they are on the right track.
And while they wait for their attacking power to catch up, Mauricio Pochettino can approach matches safe in the knowledge that from a massively overhauled squad he has built a defensive unit that has become one of the most Premier League villains.
This is an area that has seen marked improvement under Pochettino, thanks to a number of factors including his tactical adjustments, successful recruitment and having defenders who love their job and are willing to step in for their teammates.
Chelsea travel to Burnley on Saturday having conceded the fewest goals per game – 0.78 – of the 20 Premier League clubs in all competitions.
They have conceded more than once in just one of their nine matches and Monday’s clean sheet at Fulham was their fourth this season. Only Arsenal and Newcastle, with five, have more.
Chelsea’s defensive unit has seen signs of marked improvement under Mauricio Pochettino
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez kept his third clean sheet in seven games in the 1-0 win over Fulham.
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Pochettino said: “The whole team, when we don’t have the ball, does a fantastic job.
“The commitment is incredible and I think this is the beginning. If you want to be a good team and take on big challenges, if you’re not strong, it’s difficult.
“Look what happened here with Chelsea two or three years ago. They won the Champions League winning only 1-0, without scoring too many goals but without conceding any.
“It’s really important to have the feeling that we are difficult to beat. We have worked very hard since the beginning, also offensively, but the most important thing is to find the right balance.
“You have to build the house from the foundation up. »
Fulham’s shutout was goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s third in seven league matches.
His elevation from Brighton’s third choice to Chelsea’s number 1 may have raised eyebrows, but perhaps not for the man he replaced – Kepa Arrizabalaga. Kepa was initially open to Chelsea bringing in a goalkeeper to compete for the starting spot.
But when it was Sanchez who arrived, he would have known the writing was on the wall, knowing his compatriot’s qualities from their time on international duty together.
Reece James remains first-choice full-back and also captain when fit and available, which he should be again after the international break.
Full-back Malo Gusto impressed at Chelsea before his red card against Aston Villa
Marc Cucurella filled in well during Gusto’s suspension after a difficult first season
James’ absence over the past few seasons has been keenly felt at times. But the arrival of Malo Gusto from Lyon for £26 million solved that problem.
Gusto was identified by Chelsea’s recruitment team as the perfect young, high-potential challenger to James, Europe’s best young right-back and future French international.
His performances before his questionable dismissal against Aston Villa only supported their conclusions.
Behind him, Marc Cucurella was a good surprise. He has impressively replaced the suspended Gusto in the last two games. Cucurella was among a string of new faces who failed to live up to expectations after arriving last season, in his case from Brighton for £62 million. And if Chelsea and Manchester United could agree on the loan fee, he would now be at Old Trafford.
But after that proposal fell through, Cucurella held positive talks with Pochettino and reiterated that he was fully focused on Chelsea and doing his best wherever he was needed.
The versatile defender has been true to his word with his recent performances in an unfamiliar position.
Thiago Silva and Monaco’s ubiquitous summer signing Axel Disasi have been Chelsea’s main centre-backs. The years advance and the pace slows down for Silva. But its influence and quality remain high.
With his personality, maturity and robustness – playing every minute so far – Disasi has ticked many boxes in Chelsea’s search for a right-sided centre-back following Wesley Fofana’s injury.
Thiago Silva and summer signing Axel Disasi have been Chelsea’s main centre-backs.
Keeping Levi Colwill was a boost for Chelsea after the defender received summer interest
Disasi also characterized Chelsea’s desire to defend, sometimes celebrating blocks and tackles as goals.
Another big win was keeping Levi Colwill. Like Silva, he is one of the loudest members of Chelsea’s defense. Pochettino’s use of the natural centre-back as a left-back was a surprise but speaks to the desire to get him on the pitch in any way possible.
With his abilities on the ball, Chelsea toyed with the idea of trying Colwill as an inverted full-back, but the experimentation ultimately stopped at using him in a way that allowed the team of Pochettino to switch mid-match between a back three and four.
Pochettino said: “It’s incredible what he does. We are very satisfied with him in all respects. He is young but very mature.
Once back from injury, Chelsea will also be able to count on Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Ben Chilwell and Wesley Fofana.