Chelsea fell to Manchester United on Sunday in a match that showed just how much work the Blues need to do over the summer.
Chelsea’s journey to Premier League glory hit a bump in the road on Sunday. Jose Mourinho completely outsmarted Antonio Conte, setting up a team that controlled the contest and earned a well-deserved three points. While inconveniencing the Blues in the short run, the loss also laid bare the size of task awaiting the club if they are to compete in the Champions League next season.
With Tottenham closing the gap at the top to four points, the pressure was on Chelsea to reestablish their commanding lead. However, they came up against a simply fantastic Manchester United team that followed Mourinho’s instructions to the letter and deserved nothing short of a win.
Despite grumblings over United’s opening goal, the Blues were never in the game. They looked shoddy and sloppy – almost as if they were the side recovering from a midweek European trip. It was a pathetic performance.
However, it could also be viewed as a well-timed reality check. The Blues have been cruising at the top of the league, but their comfort has been augmented by a poor league and confusing results. Speaking on The Blue Lions podcast, Ajitesh Rasgotra stated that Chelsea should be nowhere near the summit.
"You look at the City squad, for example. I don’t know what’s happened to them but they should be fighting for the Champions League. You look at this United team. If they had taken 30% of the one-on-ones they have received in their unbeaten run, they would be right next to Chelsea in the title race. They’ve only lost three times – they just haven’t finished any of their chances. Tottenham are just solid all the way through.These last two seasons, everything has conspired for average teams to be leading the league. This game showed that when this Chelsea side comes up against a well-organised and high-quality team with a high-quality manager, they are just not up to scratch."
Also speaking on The Blue Lions, POL contributor Travis Tyler spoke of the reinforcements that are needed over the summer.
"We have a lot of cracks, not just in depth, but in players on the field. We don’t just need a new striker, we need someone who can match Hazard. We need another wingback to replace Alonso who can actually play the game. We need new centrebacks who don’t go parading up the field when we’re a goal down because we just conceded and really need another one."
This Chelsea squad were initially aiming for a top four finish, but due to the deficiencies of their rivals they are leading the way. However, when United finally played to their potential, the Blues couldn’t compete.
A relatively easy run-in should mean that the title is still Chelsea’s, but the summer will be a busy one. The poor standard of the Premier League has flattered the West Londoners’ status but Sunday’s loss was a reminder that they are nowhere near ready to challenge their European counterparts.
What were your thoughts on the game? Go check out the podcast and let us know what’s on your mind!