It's now an open secret that Chelsea's defensive unit is in shambles.The stats are too embarrassing for a team ranked among the elites and an urgent solution must be provided by our Italian tactician if we are to retain any hopes of silverware.

The blues conceded 55 goals during the last campaign but has already conceded 13 times in 8 games,averaging 1.63 goals conceded per game.At this rate,the blues would concede a whopping 62 goals in only 38 games.Perhaps the most worrying is that nine of those thirteen came in the last four games while seven were let in during the opening 45 minutes.
While Thibaut Courtois performances hasn't been at the maximal,the Belgian was left far too exposed for all three goals at the weekend.

In this column we review three practical ways Antonio Conte can revert these stats :

1.Reshuffling The Back Four

Perhaps the major culprit who should be dropped for the meantime is Gary Cahill who has gifted Arsenal the opener with an error that is becoming systematic from games against Swansea and Leicester.Ivanovic is also well off the pace that granted him starts for nearly a decade at Stamford Bridge.True,both defenders are club legends but must either up their game or make way for younger players to start games.

A back four of Azplicueta,David Luiz,John Terry and Marcos Alonso would be better suited to match pacy attackers.

Kurt Zouma a long term absentee will likely be available after the international break and should be restored to the XI to form a partnership with either summer arrival David Luiz or JT at the heart of the defence with Cesar Azplicueta and Marcos Alonso completing the back four.

Teenage sensation Ola Aina also deserves a chance to stake a claim for a starting berth having impressed in pre-season.