The 2020/21 season currently sees Chelsea sit in 5th position and 3 points adrift from the top spot on the log.
The early inconsistencies of EPL teams this season had left the league title open for grabs to anyone. But after 8 weeks gone, some teams have found a level of consistency, and Chelsea is definitely one of those teams.
Their signing of quality individual players has bolstered the team quality, and these signings are beginning to yield results. I'd be expressing and analyzing why Chelsea should be considered a Premier league title contender this season.
1. Intense Statement From Transfer Acquisition
During the summer transfer window that just passed, it is clear and without doubts that Chelsea made their intention to be considered a Premier League Title contender very clear, with the acquisition of top quality players, spending over £200million in the process.
Players like: Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell, Edouard Mendy, and Thiago Silva were notable additions that were made in a single transfer window.
To pull that off, is definitely a statement of intent from the Chelsea Hierarchy, and unlike some teams who spent the whole transfer window talking about a single player, Chelsea were more of the less talking; more action type, and that is the mark of a serious contender.
2. Defensive Balance
Another reason why Chelsea has to be seen as a serious contender is because they have found a good balance for their defense.
Chelsea didn't have a good defensive record last season. They noted this flaw and brought in Thiago Silva, and Edouard Mendy to cover up those lapses. It seemed not to be working at first, because after their first 5games, Chelsea had already conceded 8 goals and lost 7 points from a possible 15. These games included a 3-3 draw at home to Southampton, and another 3-3 draw away to WestBrom.
But in their last 3 games, they've found a strong balance, as they have conceded only 1 goal and earned 7 points from a possible 9. A team that would Contend must certainly chip in less goals, and Chelsea has ticked that box.
3. Multiple Attacking Options to Choose From.
Looking at the many teams that has won the EPL, there's one thing that they share in common, and that's multiple attacking options. There are always a lot of goals coming from everywhere in the attacking section, and Chelsea currently boasts of a good array of multiple quality attackers that can cause damage to any opposition.
Ziyech, Werner, and Havertz, has been added to the last season Chelsea attack with only one exception, which is the absence of Willian. There is absolutely enough firepower in this Chelsea attack to be labeled a Contender.
4. Team Cohesion
Watching the new Chelsea squad, especially their last three fixtures, they have grown in cohesion and the new boys are beginning to integrate into the system.
Against United, even though they weren't the better side at Old Trafford, they grinded out a draw and a clean sheet from that game. And moving on from there, they had back-to-back convincing wins, scoring 7 goals and conceding just 1. That shows more discipline and direction in their gameplay.
5. Squad Depth
A contender in any league must always boast of squad depth and the Premier league is not an exception. Chelsea now has a bigger and robust squad with enough players for every position, especially the attack.
To the coach, that is definitely a good headache, because squad depths builds competition within the team, and this in turn improves the quality of play.
Many may be of the opinion that it's just early days, and things could change quickly, but the fact remains that, real contenders would begin getting results early, so as to be steps ahead of their peers. And with the likes of Manchester City, Arsenal, and Manchester United still languishing on 10th, 11th, and 14th position respectively, and also with Liverpool beginning to have injury woes, it is safe to say that Chelsea are real contenders for the EPL title this season.
Do you agree?
Do you disagree?
Share your thoughts in the comments section.
#El_Magnifico™
Photo credit: Google
Comments
Post a Comment