Chelsea got off to an expectedly uncertain start as a group bereft of any confidence or momentum were being asked to train under a new coach who had no prior experience in the league. And their nervy start which was made a lot better by Diego Costa, made the majority of the pundits question their Top 4 chances this season. But a wonder run of 13 consecutive wins saw them safely perched on top of the pile and made them absolute favourites heading into the 2nd half of the season.
But the apparently unstoppable Chelsea apple-cart came to a screeching halt against Tottenham Hotspur who completely nullified their attack and found loopholes in the defence with confident offensive play. This shows the need to keep on refreshing things to stay in contention and along with it, the lack of quality depth in their side is also an issue which can come back to haunt them in the case of suspensions or injuries.
With the January transfer window in full swing, let us take a look at 3 things Chelsea can look at improving in their title bid-
SIGN A STRIKER
Yes, they have Diego Costa who is in the form of his life. And they have spent a big amount of money to bring in Michy Batshuayi at the start of the season. But the Belgian has failed to settle in and has not got minutes on the pitch. And he has been quite vocal regarding the same. There is a chance that he might be sent on loan to get some valuable playing time under his belt and that will need a striker, albeit a more established and settled one to be backup to the irrepressible Costa.
A CENTRE-BACK
Conte has been lucky in the fact that his 3 defenders Azpilicueta, Luiz and Cahill have been impeccable so far. They have been in good nick, have gelled well and have been injury-free thus far. But there is no guarantee that all of the above will stand through till the end of the season. With missing-man Zouma and retired-man walking John Terry as their back-ups, a defender should be high on their shopping list.
A QUALITY BOX-TO-BOX MIDFIELDER
The duo of Kante and Matic have been excellent this season and whenever he has been called up, Fabregas has been equally good. But similar to the rest of the squad, they have been helped by the absence of injuries to a large extent. With the centre of the park wafer thin after these three and the small matter of Champions League and all the other competitions next season, a high-profile signing seems imminent in midfield.
