Following a title winning the 2014-15 campaign, Chelsea had a disastrous outcome last year when they finished 10th in the league. Antonio Conte, the former Azzurri boss was appointed prior to this campaign replacing interim boss Guss Hiddink ( who replaced Jose Mourinho midway of the previous season) and had a nervy inception early into the season with defeats against Arsenal and Liverpool. But the Italian amazingly upturned their fortune and eventually reconquered the Premier League title with great supremacy.
Chelsea Players Who Impressed This Season
Chelsea played a masterstroke when they brought in Frenchman N’Golo Kante from defending champions Leicester City. The midfielder played a massive part in their title triumph and was eventually crowned as the Premier League Player of the Season 2016-17 and PFA Players’ Player of the Season 2016-17. New signings David Luiz suited well in Conte’s ‘back three’ formation and Marcos Alonso impressed in a left wing-back role. Also, the likes of Diego Costa, Eden Hazard, Pedro and Cesar Azpilicueta, who had a dismal season while Chelsea’s title defence, were back to their very best and restored their title glory.
Players Who Disappointed The Most
Chelsea had the least number of fixtures among top outfits due to the absence of European football. Also, they did not suffer much with injury concerns like their rivals Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool. Thus, they fielded a set team for the majority of the campaign and the players responded well to a change of formation. The skipper John Terry, who was thought to have played his last game for the Blues, extended his contract for another season but failed to impress and lost his place following a series of error-prone defensive performances. The veteran Englishman has now officially announced that he would be leaving Chelsea at the end of the 2016–17 season.
Season Status
Newly appointed gaffer Antonio Conte sensationally upturned Chelsea’s season following early stumbles. He shifted to a ‘back three’ formation ( that earned him loads of applauds and success for Juventus and Italy) and registered thirteen back to back victories in the league. They eventually won a record 30 games during this Premier League campaign and became champions with ease which was unforeseen in early months. However, their campaign ended on a low when they failed to secure a double as they lost to their bitter rivals Arsenal in FA Cup final at Wembley.
Areas Of Improvement
Chelsea do not need much to improve, however, the pressure of European football might cause fatigue as well as increasing injury concerns during the upcoming campaign. Their bench strength has not been tested yet and the Blues need reinforcements in order to enlarge their squad depth. Terry’s departure will be a huge blow in terms of quality as well as experience. But Conte, the Chelsea boss, is already in search of proper resources for his side.
Expectations From 2017/18 Season
Their main objective will be retaining the Premier League title, but the Blues will be up against stiff competition from the likes of Spurs, Liverpool and both Manchester clubs who are strengthening themselves for greater glory. Champions League football will return to Stamford Bridge and the Italian boss will be eyeing for the silverware – one that he is yet to achieve.
