An all familiar Tottenham Hotspur slip-up against a struggling West Ham United side last Friday meant that Antonio Conte’s Chelsea might be able to win the title by next Friday itself at the Hawthorns. The Blues are now four points ahead of Spurs and two wins would be enough to clinch the trophy with one game to spare.
However, it won’t be easy, as has always been the case in England. Teams like Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion might not be the strongest of opponents to play against, but they sure possess the experience and tactical know-how to frustrate big opponents, as we have seen earlier with Manchester City and Arsenal.
Chelsea, however, are leading the table now because they didn’t succumb to any such challenges this season and here are the 3 players who will have to fire, possibly for one last week to get their team into the history books-
Diego Costa– Both Middlesbrough and West Brom are both defensively well-organized and are unlikely to bow to basic attacking threats. While Chelsea have been quite clinical from counter attacks, these teams are hardly expected to attack at every opportunity. Boro and Albion have conceded just 45 goals this season, which pretty much indicates their defensive armoury.
Chelsea’s bad boy needs to step up yet again this time. He would recall his solo brilliance that gave Chelsea a slim win over Albion last time in the reverse fixture. At their backyard this time, it would be doubly difficult. Costa has 19 league goals to his name already and if he is leaving for China next season, he will be willing to have a league medal as a memento.
David Luiz- The Brazilian has been the biggest difference maker for Chelsea this season. He has perhaps been the most important signing, which will clinch Conte his debut Premier League title. His availability almost shut out Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry showing just how effective he has been at the heart of the defence.
His towering presence at the back has hardly given breathing space for opponents and his dribbling abilities up front has also terrorised defence. With a passing success rate of 82.9%, and winning an average of 1.9 of his aerial duels, he is a beast at the back.
N’Golo Kante- Two consecutive trophies with two different clubs in two different seasons. The Frenchman is surely creating a unique record in England. He has been Chelsea’s machine this season in the midfield. His unimaginable work rate blended with perfect passing and clinical finishing makes him one of the hottest prospects in Europe.
His style of play might not be in huge demand as of now, but every Chelsea move requires the backing of the little Frenchman. He has won the player of the season already and finishing things off in style would be the cherry on the cake.
