Familiar question looms as Chelsea squander yet more chances | OneFootball

Pochettino's blueprint is now obvious to see - but Chelsea lack cutting edge

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The same old question for Chelsea continues to go unanswered: "Do we need a striker?"

That is exactly what fans will be asking themselves as Cole Palmer failed to impress as a false 9 during the 0-0 draw with Aston Villa in the FA Cup, despite his exceptional displays on the right wing.

Armando Broja didn't get much chance to impress, but a heavy touch for a run in behind showed his confidence has taken a beating during Chelsea's striker search.

They continue to test the market to both sell Broja and sign a top-class option, either now or in the summer, and it is obvious why.

Villa were also wasteful on the night, and a replay at Villa Park was a fair outcome.

Cole Palmer at false 9

'Cold Palmer' became Lukewarm Palmer, playing as a false 9.

The £40million signing from Manchester City was tidy and entertaining to watch but couldn't be a focal point like a genuine striker.

The 21-year-old missed the game's biggest chance, tamely hitting a one-on-one directly at Emi Martinez after a mistake from Clement Lenglet in the first half. A Martinez mistake presented him with the next best chance, but he again got a shot at the Argentina No1 completely wrong.

He scuffed a few long-range efforts and couldn't get on the end of any crosses being whipped into the box.

Palmer is one hell of a player, but as he showed away at Middlesbrough, he is not quite as good up front.

Lukewarm: Palmer could not find his finishing touch against Villa

AP

Poch's pressing blueprint is back

Mauricio Pochettino's Chelsea have won four of their last five matches but haven't yet looked like their manager's team.

In all of their wins, barring the 6-1 demolition of Middlesbrough in midweek, they've struggled to victory and won by any means necessary.

However, this is the football we expect from Pochettino. It featured exceptional pressing, control of possession and shutting out a talented opponent.

The press, in particular, caused trouble, but there was nothing to show for it.

Impressing: Gilchrist stepped up to his challenge against Aston Villa

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Gilchrist passes his toughest test

Alfie Gilchrist didn't know he was starting against Villa until 45 minutes before kick-off as Levi Colwill pulled out of the warm-up.

The homegrown star has only started one other senior-level match, facing Preston in the previous round.