Stat shows why Enzo Maresca must start Tosin Adarabioyo vs Sunderland
Tosin Adarabioyo has one key attribute which Enzo Maresca must use if Chelsea are to nullify one of Sunderland’s biggest threats.
Sunderland’s 2-0 victory over Wolves has the Black Cats flying in seventh in the Premier League table, on the same number of points as Chelsea.
Chelsea’s 3-0 win at Nottingham Forest made it back-to-back Premier League wins for the Blues, and Juventus are monitoring Enzo Maresca as a potential future manager at the Italian club.
Maresca though must get one tactical decision right against Sunderland if his side are to claim all three points.
Tosin Adarabioyo to combat Sunderland threat
Tosin Adarabioyo returned from injury to appear against Nottingham Forest and started against Ajax in the Champions League, before being taken off at half-time to be rested.
Adarabioyo was slammed by Chelsea fans for his performance against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, but his six foot five frame makes him a useful player to deal with Sunderland’s long throw-in’s.
As per the Daily Mail, [22 October], Kieran Gill says he wouldn’t be surprised if Adarabioyo starts the match due to his height.
“Chelsea’s analysts have already begun working on the impending visit of high-flying Sunderland in the Premier League. That includes identifying the visitors’ threat from long throws, as the numbers tell them only Brentford have launched more into the opposition box this season,” Gill reported.
“In Nordi Mukiele, Sunderland have someone with rockets for arms, though he did receive the odd foul-throw accusation from Wolves during their 2-0 weekend loss at the Stadium of Light.
“I would not be surprised if Tosin Adarabioyo starts that game. When Chelsea decided to bring him in on a free, his aerial ability and height was a factor.
“Indeed, when 6ft 5in Tosin spoke at the pre-Ajax press conference, he bumped his head on the ceiling as he stood up to leave the podium!”
Adarabioyo alone won’t stop throw-in threat
Set-pieces will be key for Sunderland getting a result at Stamford Bridge, a ground which has not brought the club many positive results down the years.
| May 21st 2017 | Chelsea 5-1 Sunderland |
| December 19th 2015 | Chelsea 3-1 Sunderland |
| May 24th 2015 | Chelsea 3-1 Sunderland |
| April 19th 2014 | Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland |
Chelsea conceded a late goal from a long throw-in at Brentford, a game which Adarabioyo started, so his prescence alone will not be enough for the Blues against Sunderland.
Alejandro Garnacho switched off at the back post in that scenario, so Sunderland may get joy in that area.
Sunderland though have proven they’re more than a long throw-in team, and Chelsea will need to be wary of other threats too.