Calling Chelsea’s performance this season as disastrous would be an understatement. The story of Chelsea from winners last season to 3 points short of relegation this season is an astounding one and one which is getting worse with every match day.
Everyone knows the story of Chelsea’s triumph last season. They seemed unstoppable as they blazed to a historic Premier League win, winning 26 matches and losing only 3 in their title campaign. Eden Hazard was Chelsea’s golden boy shooting them to the top with a defence that seemed impenetrable. Boy! How the scenes have changed now! Chelsea currently stands at No.16 just three points shy of a nightmarish relegation. The Golden boy has golden ducks to his name having failed to score even a single goal this season so far and what can one say about the defense; let’s just say it’s not so impenetrable anymore!
Chelsea’s Premier League campaign this season has shocked one and all and nobody can fathom as to how a Champion team stumbled and fell in the fashion that Chelsea did securing only 3 wins in their 12 games so far. The same team, the same support staff, the same manager but a total turnaround! The injury to key players also didn’t help Chelsea’s cause because who were physically fit were not it seems fit to play the game. Last time when Chelsea lost 7 games of their 1st 12 games in a campaign they were relegated and such a fact does not bode well for the Blues. However, one thing to be kept in mind is that it was a long time ago when Chelsea wasn’t the Chelsea it has grown into in the last era and also they didn’t have the Special one.
For all that might be wrong with Jose Mourinho, his credentials are impeccable and as many footballing pundits have pointed out if anyone who can turn things around for Chelsea it is Jose Mourinho and Chelsea’s past few games are also a proof of Jose trying to shuffle things around to get the combinations that work best for the team. In the game against Stoke City last Saturday, Chelsea were the better team who enjoyed more possession and made more shots on target as compared to the home team. But in a classic case of bad luck the Blues were slapped with the 7th loss of the season. Though a loss, there are positives on the table and the international break has just come at the right time. A time off will be good for the players and will also give Mourinho time to think about how to manage his players.
Though its seems difficult and next to improbable that Chelsea will make the top four but all is not necessarily lost, Chelsea can bounce back but that needs serious introspection. Firstly Chelsea is in dire need of a striker that can give them results. Diego Costa seems to be past his prime and his regular habit of picking up bans affects the team’s mentality. Chelsea doesn’t need an angry old man but a younger and dedicated striker who scores goals regularly for them because goals can lift teams. And Chelsea’s current interest in Javier Hernandez embodies this ideology and a proof that Chelsea are trying to turn things around. The Mexican’s time away from England has proved to be instrumental for him as he has added 10 goals to his name in his 12 appearances for Leverkusen. Chicharito might be the boost that Chelsea need upfront. Now when coming to the defense, serious changes are necessary in this department too as Terry is getting old and Ivanovic seems lost.
Chelsea would most likely again try to get John Stones after their efforts were snubbed in the summer. Stones currently plays for Everton and has proven to be an incredible find for England. Possessing a gait of 6’2, Stones might be the suitable replacement for Terry as he can play both as a right-back as well as a centre back. This situation is also a boon for young talents like Loftus-Cheek whose performance Mourinho has been following closely and we might see him soon in the 1st team given his exploits in the U-21 team and Jose’s keen interest in him.
Chelsea will aim to start with a clear mind after the international break. They would try put their best feet forward in the 7 matches they will play this year. Chelsea are scheduled to play 4 home and 3 away games till the end of December and change will be on the cards. I’st not arguably correct to write them off as a long season is still left and the other teams are also not enjoying high points. Though there is a huge point gap between the table leaders and Chelsea and bridging that gap is difficult but not impossible. Chelsea did ensure their existence in the Champions League in 2012 by winning it so you never know how they might surprise you!