Adrian Clarke says Blues midfielder’s improved attacking output can help them triumph at Man Utd

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Thursday’s encounter at Old Trafford.

Mason Mount (CHE)

Chelsea’s form and results may have fluctuated of late but over the last three months, Mount has remained a model of consistency and will again be their main driving force when they visit Manchester United on Thursday.

The 23-year-old has produced 12 direct goal involvements (five goals and seven assists) in his last 12 appearances across all competitions, at a rate of one every 78.8 minutes. 

Mount is Chelsea’s chief link between midfield and attack and over the course of this campaign, his productivity levels have been among the very best in the Premier League.

Indeed, among midfielders, they rank highest of all. 

Most direct goal involvements

In the last three matches, Mount has been played in a free No 10 role behind two strikers as part of a slightly modified 3-4-1-2 formation from Thomas Tuchel. 

Tuchel will have observed that, in last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at Arsenal, Man Utd’s central-midfield axis struggled to pick up the runs of Martin Odegaard, from a similar position, allowing him to roam freely.

If Mount is afforded similar levels of freedom, he will pop up in dangerous areas throughout, especially in the half-spaces between full-backs and the central players. 

He is also capable of making late sprints into the area beyond the strikers, just as he did when providing a quality assist for Marcos Alonso in the 6-0 victory at Southampton. 

Mount’s assist for Alonso

Mount’s finishing ability has improved considerably this season, reaching double figures for the first time in the top flight.

He has scored one goal every 200.5 minutes this term, a ratio which surpasses that of attacking team-mates Romelu LukaJC (261.6), Kai Havertz (221) and Timo Werner (264.3). 

Mount’s Premier League statistics

Across the board, he leads the way for Chelsea’s attacking contributions, and is also way ahead of his team-mates in other key departments. 

For example, he has created 14 more chances than anyone else and delivered 51 more passes into the opposition area compared to the next closest Chelsea player. 

If Mount takes control, Chelsea stand a great chance of a first win at Old Trafford since 2013.