Chelsea finally found some solace in the unforgiving waters of the Premier League. A 2-0 win against Sheffield United temporarily eased the pressure on Mauricio Pochettino & lifted them into the top half of the table. However, the relief was soon clouded by critical analysis of one outspoken pundit. The victory, as it turned out, was not a moment of success, but a spotlight on the team’s lack of ‘football IQ.’

As Pochettino’s Chelsea tries to find their way back to winning ways, a nagging question lurks among fans. Is this the best the Blues can muster, or are they ‘a million miles away’ from their true potential? Let’s delve deeper and unravel the story.

Chelsea criticized for their ‘unreliability’

In the post-match reflection, Don Hutchinson, a former professional soccer player turned pundit, took center stage on ESPN FC’s panel debate. Hutchinson labeled Mauricio Pochettino’s Chelsea as ‘unreliable’ and expressed concern about their distance from the club’s former glory. “They’re just unreliable. You can’t get excited when you watch Chelsea. They are a million miles away from where they used to be,” Hutchinson remarked boldly.

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The former Scotland international continued by adding that he sensed a deficiency in players’ ‘football IQ.’ The term, often thrown around in discussions, encapsulates the players’ understanding of the game and their decision-making ability. Hutchinson argued, “They have got some fast players, they’ve got some dynamic players, but I don’t see a lot of sense when they’re on the pitch. I don’t see someone with a high-level football IQ that can dictate the play.”

This is where Mauricio Pochettino finds himself in the spotlight. His arrival in the summer promised a different style of play, a return to the attacking verve that once defined Chelsea. Yet, with the Blues’ recent woes and inconsistent form, the doubts stand regarding his management. It’ll be interesting to see if Pochettino can reignite the spark of tactical intelligence that once illuminated Stamford Bridge.

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As it stands, Chelsea sit 10th in the table, with 22 points in 17 games, which is not something anyone would expect from them while being jut 2 games away from the halfway point of the season. However, a win’s a win. Pochettino will be relieved, even if momentarily. And one of the players he’s grateful for, a ray of light in an otherwise dull season so far, is the youngster, Cole Palmer.

Mauricio Pochettino hailed Cole Palmer’s ‘massive’ contribution

Amidst the criticism, Pochettino chose to focus on the positives, particularly the impact of summer signing, Cole Palmer. The 21-year-old has been directly involved in 13 goals in his 19 appearances since joining from Manchester City. “For me, he’s a playmaker – a player who can link the team. He also has the capacity to score goals and give assists. The contribution of Cole Palmer from day one has been massive,” Pochettino told BBC after the match. The Chelsea boss’ reliance on Cole Palmer adds a layer of intrigue to the ongoing debate surrounding the team’s IQ.

Mauricio Pochettino faces the daunting task ahead with Chelsea’s upcoming fixtures that include a Carabao Cup quarter-final against a strong Newcastle side, and crucial league games. He needs to prove that his team possesses the soccer intelligence required at the top level. Let us know your thoughts about Chelsea’s season in the comments!

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