Chelsea’s winners and losers of the campaign thus far: Volume 2

Chelsea’s camp will be in fine spirits as it parts ways for the international break, but who are the winners and losers of the domestic season thus far?

Last month’s installment noted Chelsea’s inconsistency as a key part the results and performances. Frank Lampard can now look smugly upon that prophecy as his team has secured stability right before the Premier League is put on pause for a fortnight.

Zero defeats in seven matches since the Blues returned in mid-October have enabled them to mount an assault on the European positions and sit pretty at the summit of their Champions League group. Most importantly, they’ve been keeping clean sheets! Exclamation for added effect. Lampard’s back line has been sturdy whilst his forwards are beginning to click. Let us take a look at who has been marked a grade A+ and who is failing with an F-:

Losers:

Kepa Arrizabalaga

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As harsh as it seems to continuously harp on about his shortcomings, Kepa Arrizabalaga has shrunk so far in stature that he may never feature for the club again. Social media went into a frenzy when Chelsea included Cech in its 25-man Premier League squad as an emergency back-up. This inclusion really highlights the state of affairs that some would rather a semi-retired 38-year old—who’d recently been playing ice-hockey—instead of the world’s most expensive goalkeeper. Arrizabalaga’s final game coincided with the last time the Blues had conceded more than once since Mendy joined, the 3-3 horror show at home to Southampton.

Christian Pulisic

Captain America has lost his superhero edge through unforeseen circumstances. Injury has doused Christian Pulisic of his powers, scoring a singular goal away to Krasnodar before revisiting the treatment table thanks to a reoccurring hamstring problem. Although revitalising, the No. 10 would be nothing other than a plus right now. The current Chelsea attack is gradually molding into a well-oiled, fluent machine. Any coach would be unwise to unhinge this development, even if it requires leaving out one of your brightest talents. Pulisic is in a race against fitness and a place in the starting XI.

Olivier Giroud

With the exception of Thiago Silva at the spine of his side, Lampard has opted for his tried and tested method of trusting youth over elder statesmen. Oliver Giroud is one of those to be caught in the Benjamin Button paradox as the Blues’ roster gets younger and younger. It was only this July when the Frenchman was being applauded for his excellent impact in replacing Tammy Abraham and his impact in front of goal. The 34-year-old netted six times in nine league appearances and once in the FA Cup semifinal win over Manchester United. Now, it’s back to the drawing board for Giroud with just over an hour of football played for Chelsea in 2020/21 as his two junior striking comrades continue to impress.

Winners:

Edouard Mendy

The very large reason—6-foot-4 to be precise—for Chelsea’s denial of its opponents has been the welcomed arrival of Edouard Mendy. Signed from Rennes, the Senegalese has quite literally followed in the footsteps of Petr Cech. Although that level of legendary status is lightyears away, Mendy is learning from the man himself and the benefits are telling. Six stop-outs in his eight appearances have eased the pressure off his once-bemoaned back four, becoming the first Chelsea goalie to start his career with three consecutive league clean sheets since Cech in 2004. Strong handling, reflex saves, commanding in the area; all he needs now is the headgear and the transformation is complete.

Thiago Silva

Mendy will make the headlines, but Silva deserves the byline. His wobbly night against West Bromwich Albion is nothing but faded memories as the brilliant Brazilian has proven why he’s been amongst the elite centerbacks for the past decade. Head and shoulders above his compatriots in terms of experience and age, Silva captained the defense to deny Sevilla, Manchester United, Burnley and Rennes. Lampard awarded him the armband against Sheffield United, with Silva repaying his manager by nodding in Chelsea’s third from a leap very few 36 year olds would even contemplate. He may be a short-term solution, so love him whilst you can.

Timo Werner

For all his endeavors and energy, Werner’s initial entry into English football was a tough one. No goals in four league matches and just one in the League Cup was a frustrating tally for the Stuttgart-born striker. Peddle on to present day, however, and his clinical nature has resurfaced. Werner now has four from four domestically, adding a trio of penalties in the Champions League to boost his scoring charts. Abraham’s addition has been a big bonus, releasing the German’s burden as the main man up front, whilst forming a Didier Drogba/Nicolas Anelka-esque partnership.

Hakim Ziyech

To round off the band of Lampard’s newest recruits is the mazy Moroccan who has added a magic touch to the Blues attack. Hakim Ziyech waited awhile to unleash his footballing wand, having missed half of the campaign thus far through injury. When he did take center stage, it was a joyous occasion. Despite only managing a full 90 minutes once, Ziyech has already secured the role of creator and chief. Three assists, two goals and some supernatural passes have reminded fans and rivals alike why Chelsea snatched up him way back in February. His swagger and confidence compares to that of Eden Hazard, a likeliness that is not easy to emulate.

Who are your winners and losers of the campaign thus far? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!