FA Cup 2018/19: Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest

Defending champions Chelsea secured their first win of the year in the FA Cup against Nottingham Forest. They are safely through to the fourth round thanks to Callum Hudson-Odoi and Alvaro Morata twice. At first, it didnt seem likely due to Nottingham Forests area-focused press and congested goal area. In the second half however, Chelsea eventually managed to find a solution, as this tactical analysis explains.

Chelsea made timely use of their transitional attacking to eventually breach their opponents last line of defence. The match also featured the farewell appearance of Chelseas talented and creative playmaker Cesc Fabregas. The former Arsenal man was partnered in central midfield by Ross Barkley and Ethan Ampadu.

Chelsea pushed back their opponents play

Chelsea played in a 4-5-1 formation without the ball as shown in the picture above. Chelseas defensive phase was designed to push back the opponents play from Chelseas midfield more than to win the ball there. This is because Nottingham Forest were congesting the midfield while deploying the tactic of the area-focused press.

As a result, the hosts had to put their attacking half at risk by winning possession there, as they would eventually lose the ball and concede pressure in dangerous areas. The images below illustrate how Chelsea risked attacks due to Nottingham Forests area-focused press.