Chelsea, after nine matches in the Premier League this season, look to be running in to form at the right time. Whether or not they have the capabilities of challenging at the business end of the season remains to be seen, but I am sure we will find out in the coming weeks.
A 2-2 draw with Swansea, followed by a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool and a 3-0 defeat against Arsenal, fans and pundits alike had Chelsea written off as title contenders, however they are now on a run of 3 wins in a row which culminated last weekend in the 4-0 destruction of Manchester United. With Eden Hazard finding top form and making them tick from the left midfield, he has two goals in his last two league matches, they are now looking like a very threatening team indeed.
Since that 3-0 defeat against Arsenal, their defence has tightened up beyond recognition and have now gone 3 in a row without conceding while scoring nine at the other end. Thibaut Courtois has made the goalkeeping position his own and with a back three of David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Azpilicueta, they look like a difficult unit to break down.
At the other end, Diego Costa is looking like the player signed from Atletico Madrid in 2014, and has weighed in with seven for the season so far, topping the scoring charts in the Premier League. Ably assisted up front with the aforementioned Eden Hazard and Pedro, who has bagged just one, but has had many assists to his name, they look capable of breaking down even the tightest of defences.
The real test is yet to come though as they gear up for a run of games that will make or break their season. First up at the weekend is an away tie at Southampton, who with a defence featuring Virgil Van Dijk have only conceded eight this season. After that comes Everton who sit in sixth place. Six points from those two matches is a big ask but it is more than achievable.
A game against lowly Middlesbrough follows, but after that they will need to be on top of their game as they face Tottenham Hotspur away and Premier League betting favourites Manchester City. Somewhere in the region of 15 points from that run of six would be a terrific return and would surely see them as title contenders.
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