By deciding to rest Mykhailo Mudryk and not to bring back Raheem Sterling, Mauricio Pochettino created a problem for himself: who should start on the left wing?
Nicolas Jackson would be one option, while Cole Palmer could move inside as a false nine. However, Pochettino thought of something new to play to the strength of other players, especially Marc Cucurella and Thiago Silva.
Technically, the area was occupied by Conor Gallagher from the start. Rather than running down the wing, the midfielder tucked inside, allowing Marc Cucurella to effectively play as a wing-back. On the right, Noni Madueke was brought in to hold the width.
With Malo Gusto out, Axel Disasi plays as a much more conservative right-back, building a back three with Thiago Silva in his favourite central role and Trevoh Chalobah off the left.
Whether this plan works or Sheffield United are just not up to the task, Chelsea have dominated at the start of the game, scoring an easy first goal from a set piece.
