Chelsea are top of the Premier League, but they have some tough games on the horizon. Here is why they can successfully power through them.
Chelsea currently sits atop the Premier League table following a slender 1-0 win over a resilient Middlesbrough side. The win itself highlighted Chelsea’s ability to grind out results – a key attribute of any title contender.
Meanwhile, right before the international break, the 5-0 victory over Everton basically affirmed Chelsea’s status as leading title contenders in the other way. Their dominating performance showcased the ruthlessness of their attack.
Ahead of a tough run of fixtures, here are two reasons why the Blues will be able to emerge in even better stead.
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Chelsea’s Efficiency
Prior to the fixture against the Toffees, Antonio Conte’s side had not conceded a goal in four games. The excellent run was expected to end against a team of Everton’s attacking qualities. Instead, Chelsea proved how efficient they are under Antonio Conte and more so with the 3-4-3 system.
With just a one-point gap over Liverpool and Manchester City, nobody is running away with the league title just yet. The teams at the summit are almost evenly matched. However, Chelsea have succeeded in distinguishing themselves due to the defensive stability and the valiant attacking mentality Conte has ingrained in the London outfit.
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Every Chelsea supporter will be keen on seeing the team’s excellent run of form continue, but can it? The Blues welcome Tottenham to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, and they will be looking to grab all three points. This is quite likely seeing as Spurs have not quite clicked this season.
After the Spurs game, though, Chelsea travel away to the Etihad in what could turn out to be the team’s first defeat since the 3-0 loss against Arsenal. Playing Manchester City will not be easy by any stretch of the imagination. That game could potentially determine how the club fares in December.
A draw, at least, against Manchester City should be able to keep morale high ahead of the games against West Brom, Sunderland, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Stoke – all winnable fixtures. But judging by Chelsea’s current form, they should be able to snatch a win at the Etihad.
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The Costa Factor
Diego Costa looks to have, fortunately, channelled his aggressiveness into goalscoring. He currently tops the goal charts having taken his tally up to 10 during the Middlesbrough win.
Every title contender needs a prolific goalscorer. With Costa in a rich vein of form, he can potentially spur Chelsea on to victory in the games to come.
He has also combined quite encouragingly with Eden Hazard which, in turn, has helped Chelsea break teams down in the attacking third.
Chelsea can keep up their current form although a lot depends on factors such as injuries, suspensions and the performances of key players. But if Conte’s side manages to maintain a clean bill of health, then there may be no stopping the West Londoners in the months to come.
What do you reckon? Will the Blues sweep Tottenham and Manchester City? Let us know in the comments below!