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Chelsea vs Norwich: Three things to look for in David vs. Goliath game

By Gabe Henderson

BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 11: Thomas Tuchel the head coach / manager of Chelsea celebrates after his team scores the opening goal to make it 1-0 during the UEFA Super Cup 2021 Final between Chelsea FC and Villarreal CF at Windsor Park on August 11, 2021 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND - AUGUST 11: Thomas Tuchel the head coach / manager of Chelsea celebrates after his team scores the opening goal to make it 1-0 during the UEFA Super Cup 2021 Final between Chelsea FC and Villarreal CF at Windsor Park on August 11, 2021 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Reece James after winning in the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on September 22, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Kepa Arrizabalaga of Chelsea celebrates with teammate Reece James after winning in the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Chelsea and Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on September 22, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

3. Are the winning ways here to stay?

Frank Lampard’s second year as manager got off to a flying start and his three-year plan looked to be ahead of schedule. The English manager insisted his side still had a lot of work to do, even when the Blues were cruising by whoever was put in front of them. Predictably, Chelsea slipped up against a struggling mid-table side and the skid started. The club legend was subsequently sacked and Tuchel was appointed manager.

The German hasn’t exactly hit a bump in the road yet, which has fans nervously waiting for its inevitable arrival. History hasn’t been kind to the Blues’ supporters in this regard as the likes of Bournemouth and Watford usually spelled the beginning of the end for previously successful managers. This is not to suggest Tuchel is going to be sacked any time soon—he won’t be—it’s rather just preaching cautious optimism. Chelsea has what looks to be a relatively easy schedule for the next month. The Blues are flying high at the moment, sitting atop the Premier League, having advanced in all other competitions and even winning a European trophy.

Many will be quick to brush off Chelsea’s opponents over the next calendar month, but that’s hardly the approach to take. The Blues are obviously one of the most talented squads on the planet. It’s easy for their motivation to drop and focus turn to the future against teams like Norwich. That’s exactly what the visitors will hope for, as well. Chelsea needs to remain focused through this period, keeping the ultimate goal of a Premier League title in mind. It’s Tuchel’s job to ensure this is the mentality going into every match.

Furthermore, injuries, fatigue and a crowded fixture list mean the Blues may need to field largely rotated starting XIs over the next few weeks. These contain a plethora of class footballers, but as we saw against Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup, these sides often lack cohesion. There may be some ugly wins in the near future, so be prepared. Norwich is no pushover, regardless of its league standing, expect the Canaries to put in an inspired performance with their backs against the wall. As long as Chelsea keeps winning, the scorelines hardly matter.

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What are some of the things you’ll be looking out for ahead of the match? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!

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