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Are Chelsea title contenders? – Previewing November, reviewing October

By Ben Croft

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Gary Cahill of Chelsea jumps on tops as N'golo Kante of Chelsea celebrates with his team mates after he scores to make it 4-0 during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Gary Cahill of Chelsea jumps on tops as N'golo Kante of Chelsea celebrates with his team mates after he scores to make it 4-0 during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images) /
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A stellar October catapulted Chelsea into Premier League title contention. Can the Blues keep up their impressive form in November?

Few people could have anticipated a run of results like this. Not only the wins, but the manner in which the players have done it. It’s been quite a month for Chelsea, so let’s take a moment to have a glance back before previewing what November will bring for the Blues. Can they continue this good run of from? Are they title contenders?

After the Arsenal defeat, Antonio Conte decided to change the system to a back three and it has worked a treat. Four Premier League games, four wins and four clean sheets prove that the change has worked and it must give the boss great satisfaction moving into November.

October saw the Blues dispatch Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United in a quite scintillating display at Stamford Bridge and comfortably defeat Premier League champions Leicester. There were also two very assured and accomplished performances away to Hull and Southampton. A defeat in the EFL Cup against West Ham was a sour note, but it was very much a different team to what we see in the league.

November is sure to bring new challenges and difficult games. Chelsea only play three games due to the international break and not being involved in Europe or the EFL Cup. The Blues face two home games against Everton and London rivals Tottenham with an away trip to Middlesbrough in between those.

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At the moment, Chelsea are the in-form team in the league who no-one wants to face. The change in formation has seemed to reignite the players and given them a huge boost in confidence.

Eden Hazard is playing central and further forward which he seems to enjoy, Victor Moses is thriving in the wing-back role and David Luiz is having the best few games he’s ever had in a blue shirt!

But the question that everyone is asking is can this Chelsea side keep this up and win the title? I say why not! The new formation has brought some much needed stability in defence. The team, as a whole, are scoring goals and the players are playing with freedom. Importantly, key players are stepping up to the plate.

It is a cliche, but the Blues must take each game as it comes. This will be vital for Conte to keep his players focused. We’re only in November but the signs are good. Manchester City are probably favourites for the title because they can cope with injuries to key players. If Chelsea lose Hazard or Diego Costa to injury, though, they may struggle.

A crucial month awaits and if Chelsea are in the top four heading into a hectic December, I’m sure the fans, players and manager would take that.

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