Chelsea are cruising along under Antonio Conte’s guidance who has quickly adjusted to the rigours of the Premier League and after a difficult start to life in England has been unstoppable. Employing a 3-4-3 set-up which has suited his players perfectly, credit is also due to his boys who have stepped up and have put their dismal season behind them and are currently on a 13-match unbeaten streak. The likes of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa are back to performing at their levels and that can only mean bad news for the other teams.
But there have been suggestions and pretty logical ones that Chelsea are being massively aided by the fact that they haven’t got Champions League to worry about and the fact that they got knocked out of the League Cup at the hands of West Ham early on. Much like Leicester City last season, they have played a fairly settled team and the players have always got enough time to recover after a match. Injuries have been few and far between and the likes of Costa and Fabregas have been extremely disciplined.
They have a lot to owe to N’Golo Kante who has carried forward his unlimited energy and desire and by the looks of it, winner’s luck, over to the Stamford Bridge. With the Frenchman in full flow, it almost gives the impression of Chelsea playing with an extra man in midfield.
His tenacity and ability to cover every blade of grass has covered some of the defensive liability that comes with the likes of Fabregas and Pedro in the team. His selfless play and willingness to cover for his teammates make him an ideal player for a manager like Conte.
David Luiz’s arrival sparked extreme reactions from the Blues and while many remembered his heart-in-mouth moments from his first spell, many were reminiscing his ability to endear himself to the fans. And much to the delight of the fans and relief of the manager, Luiz has come back a far better and balanced player. Without him, the 3-man backline wouldn’t have worked and Conte has guided the Brazilian well to make him a pivotal part of the system.
While all the above factors along with much more have contributed to their almost flawless season so far, the big question at the back of everybody’s mind will be regarding the squad depth of the team. Especially in defence and midfield, the Blues are short on depth and hence it is imperative they don’t rest on their laurels and that the club keeps on scouting and forms a team which will have the ability to sustain this level of success when the travails of multiple competitions come around next season.
