According to ESPN, Chelsea's unorthodox strategy has seen them score eight goals, create 5.56 non-penalty expected goals, and attempt 48 shots, all while maintaining a second-lowest possession rate in the league. This approach has raised questions about the team's ability to sustain their success without controlling the ball.
Chelsea have led for 195 minutes, the 10th-longest stretch over the first three matches of the season, and have scored in the first, fourth, and second minute of their three opening games. However, their total lack of control is still an outlier among early-season leaders.
Their midfield options, including Romeo Lavia, Reece James, Jordan Henderson, and Malo Gusto, may not be sufficient to provide the necessary control and pressing to maintain their attacking firepower. The return of injured midfielder Moisés Caicedo could potentially address this issue, but it remains to be seen how Chelsea will evolve their approach in the coming weeks.