Former Chelsea star Joe Cole says Maurizio Sarri’s side may have to curb their attacking instincts and play N’Golo Kante in a deeper role against the best Premier League teams.
The Blues lost their unbeaten record in a demoralising 3-1 defeat against Tottenham in a one-sided London derby at Wembley.
A sorry team display saw an overworked defence regularly overrun on the break with the midfield trio of Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Kante, playing in more advanced role, failing to provide much defensive cover.
Cole, 37, who this week announced his retirement told BT Sport that Kante’s defensive nous would have prevented Son Heung-min running 50 yards and scoring the crucial third goal.
“Sometimes when you go to a tough away game like Spurs or Manchester United, you have to respect them a little bit and Chelsea wanted to come and play their flowing football and get it into Jorginho,” Cole said.
“Kante, in that position, covers the ground, sees out Son and Chelsea are still in the game.
“Imagine the last few minutes at 2-1 – it’s a different game. Sarri would have learned that away from home in these type of games, Kante is ideal in that position.”
Cole’s former England and West Ham team-mate Rio Ferdinand agreed that Kante was more suited to the holding role.
“Sarri may be stubborn and want to stick to his principles,” Ferdinand said. “But sometimes in the Premier League you go from home, especially in big games, you need people in there that can actually defend.
“If Kante was forced out wide against Son then Son is going to the floor or into touch and Kante is coming out with the ball.”