How did Chelsea finally deliver Sarriball?

In the 33rd round of the Premier League, Chelsea welcomed West Ham United in the match that could bring them back to the Champions League places. The Blues succeeded in claiming all three points at Stamford Bridge, dominating against their rivals and playing Sarriball in the way their coach has wanted from day one.

Mauricio Pellegrini didn’t manage to adapt his team to prevent fluid attacks from the home team’s creative players and lost the match to by far the stronger team. This analysis will show you how Maurizio Sarri made his ideas work for his team and how the Irons struggled to defend against their in-form opponents.

Lineups

Chelsea went into the game in their usual 4-3-3 formation theyve used throughout the whole season. Their main attacking force was their best player Eden Hazard, who had the support of Gonzalo Higuaín and youngster Callum Hudson-Odoi, who finally got his chance in the first-team. Also, Ruben Loftus-Cheek found his place in midfield thanks to his recent performances.

West Ham started with their best side at the moment, relying mostly on their good defensive block that was anchored by Declan Rice and transitions to their skillful players. Marko Arnautović and Felipe Anderson were the biggest threats for the opposition but they didn’t get much action due to their teams style of play.

Chelsea won the midfield battle

As we have witnessed, Sarri hasnt been pragmatic at all throughout the season in getting his players used to playing the way he wants. This approach finally paid off for him in Mondays London derby though when his team went full Sarriball and controlled the midfield with their fast ball movement.

The key to the success of the Italian’s ideology in this match was the great deep positioning of NGolo Kanté and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. They managed to find gaps between the opposition lines and were always available as passing options for Jorginho and their centre-backs.