Chelsea told the main thing they need is experience

Enzo Maresca and players
Photo: Lewis Storey/Getty Images

Chelsea’s struggles continued last Saturday (January 4) as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Crystal Palace, extending their winless streak to four matches in the Premier League.

The Blues took an early lead through Cole Palmer’s 14th-minute strike, but Jean-Philippe Mateta’s 82nd-minute equaliser denied Chelsea all three points.

Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy weighed in on Chelsea’s form during a discussion on BBC Radio 5 Live. He pinpointed game management as a key issue for the young Blues side, weighing in on the importance of experience.

“It’s game management where Chelsea are lacking at times,” Murphy remarked. “They need to know when to slow things down, having some men drop off, having someone sitting alongside Moises Caicedo in the base of midfield, instead of this constant trying to go forward.”

Murphy also referenced Chelsea’s defeat against Fulham, drawing parallels to their performance against Crystal Palace. “Against Fulham, it was similar today. It ended up being end-to-end and like a basketball game towards the end, and they lost,” he said.

Despite their recent struggles, Murphy remains optimistic about Chelsea’s potential for the rest of the season. “There is still the quality there, and they are a young side. I still think they will be strong in the second half of the season.”

The Blues currently sit fourth in the Premier League table with 36 points from 20 matches, 10 points behind leaders Liverpool, who have played one game fewer. With their youthful squad still finding its rhythm, Chelsea will need to address their game management to stay in contention as the season progresses.