HAZARD, AZPI AND PEDRO
Chelsea are reaping the benefits of Antonio Conte’s
formation change during the 3-0 loss to Arsenal, former defender Michael
Duberry says.
Chelsea's head coach switched to a back three during September's
defeat to the Gunners and has retained a central defensive trio
ever since, with Chelsea winning six straight games and keeping five clean
sheets in the process.
"I have been really impressed with Chelsea over the
last few games, and as a former defender myself, I love a clean sheet,"
Duberry told Sky Sports.
"People questioned his formation change during the
Arsenal game but he had a plan to get the team playing the way he wants.
"Now I think it's a case of him getting in the right
personnel to play the roles he wants and I think they'll only get stronger and
stronger."
Chelsea stalwart John Terry has struggled to get back in the
team after returning from an ankle injury, and Duberry, who made 98 appearances
for the Blues, is not convinced Conte's tactical switch suits Terry's style of
play.
"JT knows he is not guaranteed a place in the team at
this stage of his career," he said.
"Three at the back is not an ideal formation for him
but if he does play in there it would have to be in the centre to allow a
couple of defenders with pace to play either side of him.
"But first and foremost it's about Chelsea. He knows
that, he's Mr Chelsea and he'll work hard to get back in that team."
Chelsea's excellent run of recent results sees them occupy
second position in the Premier League, a point off leaders Liverpool.
Just five points separate the top five teams but Duberry
remains confident Chelsea can qualify for next season's Champions League.
"In a league with so many good teams it's hard to find
consistency," he said.
"Chelsea had a blip earlier on and after defeats
against Liverpool and Arsenal it would have been easy to write them off.
"But they've recovered and they don't have the
distraction of European football. It's Saturday-to-Saturday football, that
should help them and I expect them to get into the Champions League next
season."
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