Anthony Barry is Chelsea’s new mastermind and is behind Blues’ good transformation in defence rewarded with FIVE consecutive clear sheets

Chelsea’s transformation from possessing one of many worst defences within the Premier League to scrub sheet kings has been fairly exceptional.

The Blues, aided by the additions of Thiago Silva and Edouard Mendy, have turn into extremely tough to interrupt down and Wednesday’s 3-Zero defeat of Rennes was their sixth clear sheet of their final seven outings.

Mendy, who arrived from Rennes for a cut-price £20milion payment in the summertime, grew to become Chelsea’s first keeper since Petr Cech to document three consecutive league clear sheets after the Burnley victory final weekend and his newest shut-out was a exceptional fifth in a row.

And though he was largely untested towards his former membership on Wednesday night, he was once more an imperious presence within the field and gave his defenders confidence to thrive.

A assured goalkeeper is one thing Frank Lampard has been desperately missing throughout his quick tenure at Stamford Bridge, and the huge expertise of Thiago Silva has additionally added some much-needed high quality to the again line.

However one other summer season arrival which has gone beneath the radar has arguably been the most important issue within the Blues’ rejuvenation on the again.

Anthony Barry, who joined Lampard’s backroom workers in the summertime from Wigan Athletic, has been working tirelessly to vary Chelsea’s fortunes at set-pieces.

And his affect within the Rennes match was evident for all to see.

All through the encounter, within the few set-pieces that Chelsea conceded within the match, Barry was probably the most lively on the sidelines and continually barking orders at gamers to get into the precise positions.

The brand new coach typically moved to the facet of Frank Lampard, Rennes supervisor Julien Stephan, and the fourth official to get a greater view of the motion.

Lampard has enormous religion in his teaching workers and he’s seemingly reaping the rewards for his determination to make use of Barry.

Make no mistake, it’s nonetheless early days, however with Chelsea’s star-studded assault and their rejuvenated again line seemingly clicking into gear, it may very well be an excellent marketing campaign for Lampard’s males.

Lampard himself was in little doubt that Barry would make an awesome addition to his teaching workers when he arrived.

“He’s an thrilling younger coach and somebody I’ve recognized for some time. I consider he will probably be a powerful addition to the group,” mentioned Lampard throughout the summer season.