Chelsea vs Norwich - Statistical Preview

Chelsea proved they are still very much in the title race in a season where the Champions are likely to be decided on the last day of the season.  Liverpool were left frustrated by a Chelsea side who were superb defensively and clinical in attack.  Despite Mourinho’s comments, Chelsea could still be crowned Champions this season and losing to Atletico Madrid in the Champions League means it’s their last opportunity for silverware this season.

 Mourinho’s side managed to shut out Liverpool with a master class in defending last weekend.  EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that a lot of Chelsea players showed high defensive stats.  John Obi Mikel sat in front of the back four and made 17 defensive contributions (tackles, clearances, interceptions and blocks) more than any other Chelsea player.  Ivanovic also made the most clearances (11) and Andre Schürrle made the most tackles (8) having only played 77 minutes.

 Although most of game was spent in the Chelsea half, Matic and Willian were both looking for any opportunity to support their strikers when the ball was cleared.  Matic made the most attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses) and Willian showed his eagerness to support Torres in the last minute of the game to make the game2-0.

  Demba Ba was the Chelsea’s sole striker for the majority of the game at Anfield and was left isolated for large periods of the game.  The striker has however been in good form recently and was  alert to a untimely slip from Steven Gerrard that sent Ba through on goal, which he coolly converted.  What may concern Mourinho is that Torres and Ba only made two attacking contributions between them against Liverpool. 

 Norwich come into one of their most important games of the season on the back of five successive defeats.  The Canaries currently sit in 18^th position, level on points with Sunderland in 17^th who boast a healthier goal difference.  An upset will be needed to avoid relegation with Arsenal waiting to take on Norwich in the final game of the season.

 Although Norwich were convincingly beaten by Manchester United last week there were some positive performances.  Nathan Redmond has shown he can certainly play at this level since his move from Birmingham City.  The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows he made the highest amount of attacking contributions (6) and displayed his confidence in running at defenders with his 5 dribbles against United.

 Robert Snodgrass has had a largely good season for Norwich.  He is the Canaries top scorer and has made 83 attacking contributions this season, only bettered by Nathan Redmond (102).  All of Norwich’s attacking players will need to be in top form to penetrate a Chelsea defence that stopped the League’s highest goal scorers, Liverpool, from scoring a single goal last week.