For many teams, spotting Liverpool in the fixture list is not normally a good thing, however for Tuchel it was a challenge he was looking forward to with '100% confidence in his team to win, and his set up for the game against the Champions was immaculate.
The high line of the Liverpool back four, now without the pace of Van Dijk and Gomez, highlights a lot of room in behind for runners. Opting not to go for the physicality of Giroud or Abraham, instead Tuchel chose Werner's pace as it would obviously cause a threat to the Reds' defence. Although not as prolific as everyone expected when joining the Premier League for big money, the forward's performances have not been bad at all. From the early moments of the game, it was evident that Tuchel had instructed his team to find Werner in behind. In the first minute, the tactic proved right with a run in behind from the German striker which was picked out by James. It wasn't just Werner though that found success like this. With the German manager's new 3-4-2-1 formation, it allowed a lot of freedom for the other attacking players. With Mount on the left side of the two and Ziyech on the right, both acting as inverted attacking midfielders, it allowed freedom within the Chelsea ranks. On the ball, Ziyech or Mount could drop in to cause a 3v3 in the midfield, while the other would then join Werner in running behind, bringing Tuchel's plan to fruition.
In the 25th minute, Jorginho picked up the ball unopposed and was allowed time to turn and play a pass in behind for Werner and Ziyech, both giving good options beyond the Liverpool defence. Werner got to the ball before the on-rushing Alisson and converted his finish well despite the challenge from Kabak. Agonisingly though, he was ruled to be inches offside, apparently by his bicep which seems ridiculous as you are unable to score legally with a bicep! This should've been a warning sign for the Liverpool back four, who continued to stay high but less than 20 minutes later Kante picked up the ball, once again unopposed, and played the ball over the top for Mason Mount, who then stood up Fabinho and got a yard of space to finish past Alisson into the far corner.
Tuchel's tactics were a key reason for winning this important game in the battle for the top four. His 'passing out the back' methods will always be a 'high risk but high reward' strategy. However, last night's match showed the Chelsea defence's ability to retain the ball, giving Jorginho and Kante time and opportunities to turn and find runners further up the pitch. He will now hope that his team can keep the form going with key players such as Mount enduring a positive spell.
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