Leicester vs Chelsea: Three things to look for as Premier League returns

3. Blip or bother?

As if conceding a goal from open play wasn’t bad enough, the complacency that set in the team, allowing it to happen in the first place, made it all the worse. Defensively, it was the Blues’ worst moment of the season. Failure to keep the ball. Lethargic attempts to close down the opponent. A lack of awareness inside the box. Momentary lapses of attention. All of these factors combined to provide Jay Rodriguez the time he needed to pick out Matej Vydra—who became the first player in the league to breach Edouard Mendy‘s goal from open play.

Burnley took a point home with itself from Stamford Bridge, a blow which was softened by Liverpool’s loss to West Ham United later on the weekend. One might disregard the stalemate as “one of those days” for the Blues when things just did not seem to go in their favor, but looking at the most recent fixtures, there might be some slight causes for concern.

Chelsea played Norwich, Southampton, Newcastle, Malmo and Burnley in its last five games across all competitions. Norwich and Newcastle—two of the most hapless sides in the Premier League—were beaten comprehensively, but there were signs of a struggle in the other games. The Blues only narrowly beat Malmo, were forced into a shootout by Southampton and were held by Burnley. Tuchel’s men created enough chances in all three games, only to be let down by the lack of incisiveness and poor finishing. Some of it should be corrected by the return of Lukaku and Mount, while a fit-again Pulisic should also provide the Blues with a much-needed boost.

They will need that boost to cope with what lies ahead of them in the coming months. After Leicester on Saturday, Chelsea will take on Juventus midweek in a potentially group-clinching game in the UEFA Champions League, following which a visit from Manchester United beckons. Keeping the winning momentum going will be crucial for a fixture-packed December, during which Tuchel’s men will play nine matches across three competitions. Historically, this upcoming period has proven to be the side’s downfall in previous, unfulfilling seasons. If Tuchel’s Blues are to prove they have genuine title credentials, they will need to do so in the weeks to come. The tactician, meanwhile, will have to ensure that any minor blip—including the one against Burnley two weeks ago—doesn’t turn into a full-scale bother as at Chelsea, coaches don’t tend to survive those.

What are three things you’ll be looking for in the contest? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!