READ MORE <\/strong> Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has a problem with four players as issues mount[INSIGHT] <\/strong><\/p>\n As with any statistical tool, the use of xG (expected goals) is not always flawless. But in Chelsea’s case, with 10.64 xG and only five goals scored, it represents the root of their problems so far that has seen them take just one win from five games under Pochettino. No team in Europe has missed more clear-cut chances than the Blues, while no team has had more average possession in Europe’s top five leagues than them either. And with every chance missed, the pressure grows.<\/p>\n Nicolas Jackson has been culpable for some shocking misses, which is perhaps more understandable given his relative inexperience and the fact he is only six weeks into his top-flight career. But even Raheem Sterling, a regular goalscorer at this level, and Ben Chilwell have been guilty of missing gilt-edged chances. Mykhaylo Mudryk, meanwhile, simply doesn’t shoot enough – and that can put down to a severe lack of confidence.<\/p>\n Pochettino needs to get his attackers enjoying the habit of scoring goals again. That could mean some fun games in training to boost their camaraderie, or perhaps he should ruthlessly repeat shooting drills until making the net bustle becomes second nature. Either way, it is their biggest problem and one that increased training can help solve.<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n DON’T MISS <\/strong> There is a school of thought that Chelsea have been desperately unlucky with their injury list, and few would disagree with that. On the other side of the coin, when the club are hit with multiple injuries twice in the space of 12 months, they owe it to themselves to dig a little deeper and find out why.<\/p>\n For Pochettino, the fitness side of things will be handled by the club’s medical staff and he will be simply told who is available, who needs more time to recover and so forth. But the Argentinian has his own responsibility to rotate where he can to protect key players. Enzo Fernandez, for example, has played in every match since his \u00a3107million switch from Benfica in January.<\/p>\n Players have been rushed back before – Reece James was a prime example of that last season – to halt the club’s side. But doing so will hurt Chelsea in the long term if they suffer a setback, and for now, Pochettino must simply carry on with the players he has at his disposal. Having fewer games in midweek will be crucial to allowing players like Fernandez to stay fresh, a luxury Graham Potter and Frank Lampard didn’t have last year.<\/p>\n It has not been the easiest of starts for Moises Caicedo at Chelsea since his British record \u00a3115million transfer, but memories are short in football. If the Ecuadorian can even get close to the level he produced at Brighton in his two seasons at the Amex Stadium with Chelsea, Pochettino’s midfield issues will soon iron themselves out. Errors against West Ham and Nottingham Forest indicated he was struggling to cope under the pressure.<\/p>\n The only question that remains is exactly what role Caicedo should play. Is he a holding midfielder, there to patrol in front of the back four, or play the N’Golo Kante role of winning the ball in key areas high up the pitch and starting counter-attacks? Or is he a genuine box-to-box man who should be allowed to express himself alongside Fernandez and Conor Gallagher? Put simply, Chelsea need to find the answer soon.<\/p>\n Pochettino doesn’t seem to have it just yet, but with every extra midweek training session he will improve his knowledge of Caicedo’s best position. If Mousa Dembele, Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli are anything to go by, Chelsea’s patience will soon be rewarded when the 21-year-old finally settles.<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/4967268.jpg?r=1695135821321\")
<\/p>\n<\/h2>\n
Make scoring fun again<\/h3>\n
Gary Neville slams Todd Boehly\u2019s ownership of Chelsea in brutal \u2018mad\u2019 claim[NEWS] <\/strong>
Chelsea ‘have \u00a3172m Osimhen’ on three-man wishlist as Jackson woes continue[TRANSFERS] <\/strong>
Mauricio Pochettino leaps to Mudryk’s defence as Chelsea left frustrated[REACTION] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/4967292.jpg?r=1695135821381\")
<\/p>\n<\/h2>\n
Lighten the load<\/h3>\n
![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/4967290.jpg?r=1695135821438\")
<\/p>\nFind Caicedo’s best role<\/h3>\n