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Chelsea tactics: 5 ways the Blues will cope without Morata

By David Gate

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Alvaro Morata of Chelsea walks off to be subbed during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on September 30, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 30: Alvaro Morata of Chelsea walks off to be subbed during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester City at Stamford Bridge on September 30, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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Michy Batshuayi
Michy Batshuayi of Chelsea and Antonio Conte, Manager of Chelsea celebrate victory during the UEFA Champions League group C match between Atletico Madrid and Chelsea FC. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) /

Batshuayi’s Golden Chance

It is hard to say to what extent Antonio Conte actually trusts Belgian striker Michy Batshuayi. It was not a good sign that when Morata limped off it was Willian who replaced him and they played most of the game without a recognized striker.

Yet Batshuayi has had some crucial moments for Conte’s men. Not least clinching the Premier League title with a late goal against West Bromwich Albion last season. More recently he nabbed a vital away win in the Champions League against Atletico Madrid, scoring deep into stoppage time.

Conte is really left with no choice. Unless he wants to striker-less and play Willian up front as he did on Saturday, or as Fabregas did at Barcelona, then Batshuayi will get some starts.

This is his golden opportunity to show his manager than he is not just a backup. That he is not just a player for lower league opposition in the domestic cups. He needs to prove he is a goalscorer and can lead the line.

I suspect Conte’s reservations have had little to do with Batshuayi’s goalscoring and more his tactical application. The Italian is a meticulous tactician and the Belgian striker will have to show he can work in Conte’s system and contribute in every way his manager expects.

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