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Gary Cahill: This is why Chelsea's three-man defence has been so successful
GARY CAHILL insists the key to Chelsea's three-man defence has been continuity in selection.
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Antonio Conte switched to a three-man defence following the 3-0 defeat to Arsenal last September.
Cahill has started every Premier League game since the defeat as part of the three-man defence alongside Cesar Azpilicueta and David Luiz, helping Chelsea win 14 out of 15 games to move clear at the top of the Premier League table.
And Cahill believes the continuity in selection has helped him and his fellow Chelsea defenders adapt to Conte's new system.
Gary Cahill believes continuity in selection is key to the success of Chelsea's three-man defence
"I feel comfortable with it, we all know each other’s role so it’s good."
"Thankfully we’ve all been fit and we’ve managed to play together since then, there’s a good understanding," Cahill said.
"We know each other as players and we’ve played together for a long time, even from before we all know David. We’ve trained together a lot and we know each other individually.
"In that formation I think it’s important to get games under your belt and understand your role.
Antonio Conte's Chelsea have won 14 out of 15 Premier League games since changing formation
"During this period we’ve kept clean sheets and defended well, not just us three but the team as a whole.
"Because playing in a three is slightly different, the more games you play the more you understand the position.
"I feel comfortable with it, we all know each other’s role so it’s good."
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