Is Alvaro Morata’s Form a Cause for Worry at Chelsea?
Maurizio Sarri’s Chelsea side was held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Southampton at Stamford Bridge, with Alvaro Morata failed to register a shot on target for the second consecutive Premier League match. The Italian manager’s men dominated possession and created several chances, but the lack of a clinical finish proved costly in the end.
Morata’s struggles have been a recurring theme this season, and his latest display raised fresh concerns about his ability to lead the line effectively for the Blues. The Spanish forward has now gone seven Premier League matches without scoring a goal, a drought that has spanned over 900 minutes of football.
The 26-year-old’s struggles in front of goal have been well-documented, and Wednesday’s showing only added to the doubts surrounding his ability to deliver consistently in the Premier League. Morata’s incessant running and hold-up play were crucial in creating opportunities for his teammates, but his lack of clinical finishing left the opposition’s goalkeeper untroubled.
Sarri’s men have now failed to score more than once in 11 of their last 15 Premier League matches, and Morata’s struggles have been a significant factor in this dip in form. The former Juventus man’s lack of composure and precision in front of goal has been particularly evident, with numerous chances going begging due to hesitation or a lack of conviction.
While Morata’s struggles are not unprecedented, the significance of his form for Chelsea’s ambitions cannot be overstated. The Blues are currently struggling to find consistency in the Premier League, and Morata’s inability to compensate with his goalscoring threat has put a significant strain on the team’s attacking arsenal.
In an era where the Premier League is as competitive as ever, Chelsea cannot afford to rely on one striker’s form to propel them forward. Morata’s struggles have forced Sarri to consider his alternatives, with Olivier Giroud and Michy Batshuayi waiting in the wings. If Morata’s form does not improve, the 45-year-old manager may be forced to rethink his attacking strategy, potentially jeopardizing the team’s top-four aspirations.
As the fixtures pile up, Morata’s form will continue to be scrutinized. The Chelsea faithful will be eager to see a return to form from their star striker, but Wednesday’s display was a sobering reminder that the team cannot afford to rely on his goals to secure results. For now, Morata’s struggles are casting a shadow over the Blues’ chances of success, and only a marked improvement will restore faith in his abilities.
