Kai Havertz running statistic highlights Chelsea's creative problem that Thomas Tuchel needs to solve

Chelsea’s creative problem has been highlighted by a statistic from forward Kai Havertz at the start of the 2022/23 season.

None of the Blues’ forwards have opened their account for the season despite Raheem Sterling coming close on several occasions, while Havertz himself missed a gilt-edged chance against Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Chelsea have failed to create enough chances - looking far from their best in an opening day 1-0 victory at Goodison Park.

It took a Jorginho penalty for Chelsea to snatch all three points on Merseyside, with chances few and far between for Thomas Tuchel’s men.

There was a much needed improvement when they faced Spurs in a controversial London derby a week later, but once again they relied from goals away from the attacking trio.

Kalidou Koulibaly and Reece James got on the scoresheet as Havertz should have opened his account for the season in the 2-2 draw.

Against Leeds, Chelsea were thrashed 3-0 in a huge upset, leaving Tuchel frustrated by the result but refusing to blame the fact that they didn't score on a lack of a number nine.

He said:"No, no.

"Because we scored an own goal, gave an awfully cheap set-piece away, and conceded from it. This has nothing to do with pressing, running fewer kilometres, nothing to do with the style of Leeds. We should not confuse these things.”

An interesting statistic has since emerged regarding Chelsea’s acting number nine Havertz.

The German forward has faced criticism from fans after his start to the season, failing to score in the first three matches.

The 23-year-old netted 14 goals in 47 matches last season, being outscored by Romelu Lukaku, who was judged to have had a poor season after his club-record fee move.

The Belgian was criticised for his lack of moving and pressing in the front three, something which Havertz excelled in last campaign.

Now, a statistic has shown that the German is not lacking in runs, with Chelsea’s problems perhaps not being entirely due to the lack of a traditional striker.

As revealed by Opta, Havertz has made the most off-ball runs of any player in the Premier League this season (114), as well the most off-ball runs into the penalty area (37).

This outperforms Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, with 103, and Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (94).

Furthermore, the fourth and fifth players with the most off-ball runs will be of interest to Chelsea fans.

Blues-linked Anthony Gordon comes fourth, with 94, while Raheem Sterling is fifth, with 93.

This shows that Havertz is doing enough to provide options for the Blues, but Chelsea are simply lacking somebody to find the German.

When found by James against Spurs, Havertz missed a sitter, but if Chelsea can start to create more chances for their forward, he will surely score.

It remains to be seen as to whether Tuchel’s side will be successful in adding further attacking reinforcements during the summer window, with the aforementioned Gordon linked as Chelsea have had two bids rejected.

Furthermore, Tuchel is keen to bring in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with it currently unclear as to whether Chelsea can reach an agreement with Barcelona over the move.