On the surface, Chelsea’s 2-1 loss against Atalanta appeared to stem from tactical missteps by Enzo Maresca’s side. A struggle was evident as Chelsea’s midfield, comprising makeshift players, faltered against a confident Atalanta team. Charles De Ketelaere’s impactful play illustrated how Chelsea’s lack of penetration became their downfall during the game.

“We knew intensity wise, they will drop in the second half.”
Charles De Ketelaere felt the pressure build in Chelsea’s match as Atalanta stepped up their performance in the second half.

During the match, Chelsea displayed signs of offensive potential when Reece James provided a crucial cross for Joao Pedro. However, the opportunity was fleeting, and Chelsea only managed one subsequent shot within the next 25 minutes. This lack of offensive output has become a worrying trend given their significantly diminished attacking force, primarily due to the absence of Cole Palmer.

Maresca’s side struggled to effectively convert possession into meaningful chances throughout the match. Defensively, despite showing resilience, Chelsea’s inability to sustain pressure on the Atalanta goal proved costly, reflecting a need for strategic adjustments as they navigate the rest of their Champions League campaign.