“It’s only December” I keep telling myself. This wasn’t supposed to happen, we weren’t supposed to doing this well.
We were in a relegation battle this time last year and now Chelsea find themselves leading the Premier League table, with Christmas rapidly approaching.
Forget the strong run of form for a moment, the aim this season was very much, finish inside the top four, get back into the Champions League. Then prepare for the title over the summer and go for it the following season.
This, however, isn’t quite what everyone had in mind. Antonio Conte has re-written the rule back and switched to a three-back formation, sparking an incredible run of form for the Blues.
Chelsea have won nine in a row, and you can count the amount of goals they’ve conceded in that period on one hand!
So when should fans start believing that Chelsea can go on and win the league this season? Should fans believe or do we need to manage expectations still?
Chelsea’s closest rivals, Arsenal are also enjoying a strong start to the Premier League season, while both Manchester clubs are struggling to find any form of momentum.
The Blues have already convincingly seen off both Manchester clubs, as well as claiming three points after coming from behind against Tottenham.
Under Conte, Chelsea have been playing some of the finest football the fans have seen in a while.
So much so, they’ve been dominating the Premier League awards. For the month of November, head coach, Conte picked up Manager of the Month, Pedro won Goal of the Month and Diego Costa won Player of the Month.
There have been so many factors and so many stories that have all contributed to the fantastic start to the season.
David Luiz has been re-born in the centre of a three-man defence. Victor Moses has come in from the shadows to becoming undroppable.
Eden Hazard has rediscovered his best form and the aforementioned Costa has already levelled his goals tally from last season.
Chelsea have clicked in the 3-4-3 and it looks as if things could only get better as their understanding of the formation heightens alongside possible future arrivals.
With Conte’s effect at Chelsea clear to see, the Blues look like title contenders and whether they like it or not, find themselves well and truly in the title race.
The Blues have been playing some of the finest football in the league, staying defensively strong, as well as scoring goals with ease.
They may not say it, but the club will now have one eye on the title and with the start they’ve made, paired with the good run of fixtures they’ve been handed over the festive period, they’ve got the chance to put a real stamp on this title race.
It’s worth remembering that four of the last six teams to be top at Christmas have all gone on to win the league…
