### Attacking Corner Kick – Near-Post Flick-On
This routine has become a staple under interim manager Calum Macfarline. The delivery is driven low and hard toward the near post, where a designated player—often a taller midfielder like Enzo Fernandez or a centre-back—flicks the ball on with a glancing header. The primary target is the far post, where a second runner arrives to finish. The key is timing: the flick-on must be precise enough to evade the first defender while the far-post runner times their movement to beat the goalkeeper. Chelsea have used this to exploit teams that defend the near post with only one man, leaving space at the back stick.
### Attacking Corner Kick – Short Corner Overload
When facing a deep block, Macfarline often instructs his side to play a short corner. Two players—typically Cole Palmer and a full-back—combine to draw out the first defender. The ball is then played back to the edge of the box, where a midfielder like Moises Caicedo or a centre-back arrives late for a strike. This routine is designed to create shooting opportunities from outside the box, especially when the opposition packs the six-yard box. It relies on the threat of Palmer’s delivery to freeze defenders, giving the shooter time and space.
### Attacking Corner Kick – Zonal Block Disruption
Instead of a traditional run, Chelsea’s attacking corners often see three or four players form a zonal block near the penalty spot. They move as a unit, creating a shield that blocks the goalkeeper’s view and disrupts the defensive line. This allows a runner from deep—often a centre-back like Levi Colwill—to attack the ball unchallenged. The effectiveness depends on the block maintaining its shape until the last moment, then splitting to let the runner through.
### Attacking Free Kick – Direct Shot from Palmer
Cole Palmer has emerged as Chelsea’s primary set-piece taker for direct free kicks in dangerous areas. His technique is a curled strike with the inside of the foot, aiming for the top corner. Macfarline has given Palmer freedom to take these kicks from central positions within 25 yards. The routine is simple: Palmer places the ball, the wall is set, and he delivers with precision. His success rate has made him a reliable option, though the team also uses decoy runners to confuse the goalkeeper.
### Attacking Free Kick – Dummy and Layoff
For free kicks in wider positions, Chelsea often use a dummy runner. One player steps over the ball, drawing the defensive line’s attention, while a second—usually Palmer or Pedro Neto—plays a short pass to a teammate in space. The recipient, often a full-back or midfielder, then delivers a cross into the box. This routine is designed to create better crossing angles and catch the defence off guard. It has been particularly effective when the opposition expects a direct shot.
### Attacking Free Kick – Long-Range Strike from Fernandez
Enzo Fernandez has taken on responsibility for free kicks from longer range, typically 30 yards or more. His approach is a driven strike with power, aiming to beat the goalkeeper through placement rather than curl. Macfarline encourages this option when the wall is set deep, giving Fernandez a clear sight of goal. The routine is less about precision and more about testing the goalkeeper with a hard, low shot that can deflect off the wall.
### Attacking Throw-In – Long Throw into the Box
When Chelsea win a throw-in in the attacking third, Macfarline sometimes uses a long throw into the box, particularly when a tall target like Liam Delap or a centre-back is available. The thrower—often a full-back with good technique—launches the ball toward the near post, where a teammate flicks it on. This creates chaos in the box and can lead to second-ball opportunities. It is a direct, physical approach that contrasts with Chelsea’s usual possession-based style.
### Attacking Throw-In – Quick Short Throw to Switch Play
For quick transitions, Chelsea use a short throw-in to a midfielder or winger, who then plays a first-time pass to switch the ball to the opposite flank. This routine is designed to exploit space left by the opposition’s pressing. The throw-in is taken quickly, often before the defence has reorganised, allowing players like Joao Pedro or Alejandro Garnacho to receive the ball in space and drive at the defence.
### Defensive Corner Kick – Zonal Marking System
Under Macfarline, Chelsea have adopted a zonal marking system for defending corners. Players are assigned zones within the six-yard box and the penalty area, rather than marking individual opponents. The goalkeeper—usually Robert Sanchez—commands the near post, while the far post is covered by a centre-back. The front post is protected by a midfielder who can clear low balls. This system aims to reduce confusion and ensure every dangerous area is covered, but it requires excellent communication and positioning.
### Defensive Corner Kick – Man-Marking with a Zoner
For corners where the opposition has a clear aerial threat, Chelsea blend man-marking with a zonal approach. One player—often a tall midfielder like Caicedo—is tasked with man-marking the most dangerous opponent, while the rest of the team holds zones. This hybrid system allows Chelsea to neutralise a specific threat without abandoning the structure of zonal defence. The man-marker must stay tight to their target, preventing a free header.
### Defensive Corner Kick – Short Corner Counter-Press
When the opposition plays a short corner, Chelsea’s defensive routine shifts to a counter-press. Two players—usually the nearest midfielders—rush out to close down the ball, while the rest of the team holds a compact shape. The aim is to force a mistake or win the ball back quickly, then launch a counter-attack. This aggressive approach has been effective against teams that rely on short corners to create crossing opportunities.
### Defensive Free Kick – Wall and Goalkeeper Positioning
For direct free kicks in dangerous areas, Chelsea set a wall of three or four players, depending on the angle. The goalkeeper—Sanchez or Filip Jorgensen—positions themselves near the centre of the goal, with the wall covering one side. The wall is instructed to jump at the moment of the strike, reducing the space above their heads. This routine is standard, but Macfarline emphasises discipline: players must not break the wall early, as that can create gaps.
### Defensive Free Kick – Man-Marking in the Box
For free kicks delivered into the box, Chelsea use a combination of zonal and man-marking. Players in the six-yard box hold their zones, while those on the edge of the area mark specific opponents. This prevents easy flick-ons and second-ball opportunities. The key is for the man-markers to stay goal-side of their targets, ensuring they can clear any header or shot.
### Defensive Throw-In – High Press on the Receiver
When the opposition has a throw-in in their own half, Chelsea often apply a high press on the receiver. The nearest player closes down immediately, while a second player covers the passing lane. This routine is designed to force a long throw or a backward pass, giving Chelsea a chance to win the ball high up the pitch. It is a high-risk, high-reward approach that suits Chelsea’s pressing style.
### Defensive Throw-In – Deep Block for Long Throws
For long throws into the box, Chelsea drop into a deep block, with all outfield players inside the penalty area. The goalkeeper commands the six-yard box, while defenders mark the most dangerous runners. The routine focuses on clearing the first ball and then reacting to the second phase. This is a conservative approach, used when the opposition has a strong long-throw specialist.
### Corner Kick Variation – Near-Post Delivery with a Runner
A variation of the near-post flick-on involves a runner making a dummy run to the near post, drawing the defender, while the actual delivery goes to the far post. This routine requires precise timing: the dummy runner must commit the defender, then the ball is delivered with pace to the back stick. Chelsea have used this to create one-on-one situations for their taller players.
### Corner Kick Variation – Short Corner to Switch Flank
Another variation sees a short corner played back to a midfielder, who then switches the ball to the opposite flank. The cross is delivered from a wider angle, often catching the defence out of position. This routine is particularly effective when the opposition has overloaded one side of the box. It requires the midfielder to have good vision and passing range.
### Free Kick Variation – Quick Free Kick to Catch Defence Off Guard
When the opposition is still organising their wall, Chelsea sometimes take a quick free kick. The ball is played to a teammate in space, often a winger or full-back, who then delivers a cross or takes a shot. This routine relies on the referee allowing a quick restart and the defence being slow to react. It has been used effectively against teams that are slow to set their wall.
### Free Kick Variation – Layoff to a Late Runner
For free kicks in central positions, Chelsea sometimes use a layoff to a late runner. The ball is played short to a player who holds it up, then lays it off to a midfielder arriving from deep. The midfielder—often Caicedo or Fernandez—takes a first-time shot or plays a through ball. This routine creates shooting opportunities from the edge of the box, catching the defence off guard.
### Throw-In Variation – Overlap Throw to Create Crossing Chance
When a throw-in is taken in the attacking third, Chelsea sometimes use an overlap. The thrower plays the ball to a teammate who is making a run down the line, then overlaps to receive a return pass. This creates a crossing opportunity from a wider position. The routine requires good communication and timing between the thrower and the runner.
### Throw-In Variation – Quick Throw to Switch Play
A quick throw-in to switch play is used to exploit space on the opposite flank. The thrower plays the ball to a midfielder, who then plays a long pass to a winger on the far side. This routine is designed to catch the defence out of position, allowing the winger to drive at the defence or deliver a cross. It is a simple but effective way to create attacking opportunities.
### Set Piece Coaching and Preparation
Macfarline has emphasised set-piece preparation in training, with dedicated sessions for both attacking and defensive routines. The coaching staff analyse opposition set-piece tendencies and adjust Chelsea’s approach accordingly. This has led to a more structured and effective set-piece system, with players understanding their roles and responsibilities. The focus is on repetition and consistency, ensuring that routines are executed under pressure.
### Key Players in Set Pieces
Several players have become key figures in Chelsea’s set-piece system. Cole Palmer is the primary taker for direct free kicks and corners, with his delivery and shooting ability making him a threat. Enzo Fernandez takes on long-range free kicks and is a target for corners. Moises Caicedo provides defensive cover and is often tasked with man-marking dangerous opponents. Liam Delap and Joao Pedro offer aerial presence in the box, while Levi Colwill and other centre-backs are targets for flick-ons and headers.
What to Check
When analysing Chelsea’s set-piece routines, consider the following:
- Delivery quality: How accurate are the deliveries from Palmer and Fernandez? Are they consistent under pressure?
- Defensive organisation: Does the zonal marking system work against teams with strong aerial threats? Are there any gaps?
- Player execution: Are the runners timing their movements correctly? Are the blockers maintaining their shape?
- Opposition adaptation: How do teams adjust to Chelsea’s routines? Do they exploit any weaknesses?
- Coaching impact: Has Macfarline’s emphasis on set pieces improved Chelsea’s effectiveness compared to earlier in the season?