Chivas' Weaknesses Revealed In Crushing Loss To Necaxa
Their shortcomings were on full display in last night's defeat.
Defensive Disarray
Chivas' defense has been a major concern all season, and it was once again exposed against Necaxa. The backline was disorganized and error-prone, allowing Necaxa to create chances at will. Necaxa scored three goals in the first half, and could have had more if not for some poor finishing.
There are several reasons for Chivas' defensive struggles. First, the team lacks a true leader in the back. Captain Hiram Mier is a solid player, but he is not the vocal leader that this team needs. Second, the fullbacks are not providing enough support to the center backs. Cristian Calderón and Alejandro Mayorga are both good going forward, but they are not always reliable in their defensive duties. Third, the midfield is not providing enough cover for the defense. The midfielders are often caught out of position, leaving the defense exposed.
Lack of Creativity
Chivas also struggled to create chances against Necaxa. The team was too reliant on long balls and crosses, which were easily dealt with by the Necaxa defense. Chivas' midfielders were not able to create enough space or time on the ball, and the forwards were not able to get into dangerous positions.
There are several reasons for Chivas' lack of creativity. First, the team lacks a true playmaker. Orbelín Pineda is a good player, but he is not a natural playmaker. Second, the forwards are not making enough runs off the ball. Alexis Vega and José Juan Macías are both good finishers, but they need to be more involved in the build-up play.
Lack of Confidence
Chivas' recent results have taken a toll on the team's confidence. The team has now lost three of its last four games, and the players are starting to doubt themselves. This lack of confidence was evident in the team's performance against Necaxa. The players were tentative and hesitant, and they were not able to make the most of their chances.
There are several reasons for Chivas' lack of confidence. First, the team has been dealing with a lot of injuries. Several key players have missed time this season, and this has disrupted the team's rhythm. Second, the team has been under a lot of pressure from the fans and the media. The fans are demanding results, and the media is constantly criticizing the team's performance. This pressure has weighed on the players, and it has affected their confidence.
Conclusion
Chivas' loss to Necaxa was a disappointing result, but it also exposed some of the team's weaknesses. The team's defense is disorganized and error-prone, the midfield lacks creativity, and the forwards are not making enough runs off the ball. These are all issues that the team will need to address if they want to be successful this season.
The good news is that Chivas still has time to turn things around. The team is only three points out of the playoff race, and there are still 10 games left in the regular season. If Chivas can fix their defensive issues and start creating more chances, they have the potential to be a playoff contender.
However, if Chivas does not address these issues, they will likely continue to struggle. The team's defense is a major liability, and the midfield is not providing enough support. If these issues are not fixed, Chivas will be in danger of missing the playoffs.
Broader Implications
Chivas' struggles are a reminder that even the most successful teams can hit a rough patch. The team has been one of the most consistent performers in Liga MX in recent years, but they are now going through a tough time. This is a reminder that nothing is guaranteed in soccer, and that even the best teams can be beaten.
Chivas' struggles are also a reminder of the importance of team chemistry. The team has been dealing with a lot of injuries this season, and this has disrupted the team's rhythm. This is a reminder that team chemistry is essential for success, and that even the most talented teams can struggle if the players are not playing together as a unit.
