The Manchester clubs are garnering all the attention, questions surround Arsenal and Liverpool, but Chelsea is quietly beginning to show some signs of a return to the upper echelon of English football.
If the opening two games of the campaign are anything to go by, the Blues have found a sense of resolve under new boss Antonio Conte, which in previous seasons has been an aspect of success for the team.
What led Chelsea to their famous 2012 Champions League win was not talent in the squad (they finished sixth in the league that year) – it was the ability to rally against undeniably better teams, grind out a result and ultimately go on and reach European football utopia. Much more talented squads in previous years failed to reach that summit.
Then, in their most recent success of the 2014-15 season as Premier League title-winners, it is easy to forget that there was a stage in the season where it was not a foregone conclusion Chelsea would be champions. After bursting out of the blocks, the Blues fell away and by January 1st were level on points with Manchester City – however, as the Sky Blues faltered, Joe Mourinho’s side rallied for a convincing title run-in.
POPULAR ARTICLES
Ajax goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen signs for FC Barcelona
How Liverpool fans reacted to Daniel Sturridge’s positional demands
Payet and Lanzini’s return crucial to Hammers’ survival of Guardiola’s press
That fell away drastically last time around, and was one of the first things Antonio Conte would have addressed in his new era.
Chelsea were unable to win any Premier League game during 2015-16 where they initially led before the opposition got back into the contest. Rather, on nine occasions, the Blues scored the first goal yet failed to take the points, registering three defeats and six draws – losing 21 points from winning positions throughout the League season.
While Leicester City made it a habit to come-from-behind and rescue points (so often a trademark of champions), Chelsea struggled in that area also – only able to win one game after they trailed.
It is why fans can be impressed and optimistic of a return to lofty heights in the Premier League – they have managed to do something in the opening two games which Chelsea struggled to do for the entirety of the previous campaign. The Blues have six possible points from the two first outings, and both wins have come in circumstances which proved to be their Achilles heel 12 months ago.
The opening day win against West Ham would have been a draw last year and the triumph away at Watford would have seen them take away no points from Vicarage Road. Yet here we are, with Chelsea one of only four teams with a perfect record so far, even at this early stage.
A return to scoring form for Diego Costa, Eden Hazard looking somewhere close to his brilliant best, the inclusion of N’Golo Kante, the infectious enthusiasm of Conte on the bench. All four of those might be pleasing for supporters at the Bridge, but nothing should be more heartening than their ability to grind out results after the catastrophic 2015-16 campaign.
Diego Costa has scored with each of his last two shots on target in the league; both coming after the 87th minute. pic.twitter.com/wsvuHkjxbr
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 20, 2016
There has been a consistent message stemming from Stamford Bridge ever since the new manager took over and at the early stages of this season – Conte, Hazard and club captain John Terry have all stressed the importance of fighting until the end. Two consecutive matches ending in 89th minute winners and the ensuing celebrations is the best possible indication that a team accused of ‘cheating’ last season is back on track.
Burnley this weekend presents another test for the Blues, with Sean Dyche’s men high on confidence after stunning everyone with a 2-0 win over Liverpool at Turf Moor. Andre Gray’s pace is a significant threat against an older Chelsea defence, while whether it is physically or mentally, Diego Costa’s availability is constantly fraught with danger.
Fans can be confident they are heading in the right direction, but by the same token, do not expect a few positive results to completely satisfy Chelsea’s notorious stakeholders. A lack of activity in the transfer market in recent weeks leaves the Blues’ depth questionable, while matches against Liverpool and Arsenal in consecutive weeks after the international break will give a better indication of their development.
But when it comes to laying the foundations and rebuilding after a horror season, Chelsea’s return to a winning formula is off to the best possible start.
What are your thoughts? Let us know by dropping a comment below via our Facebook comment box. Make sure you follow us on Twitter @Outside90 and like us on Facebook.
