Chelsea at Leeds United: Four things to look for at Elland Road

1. Will the Blues find their consistency?

Traditionally, my approach is to base all arguments on data. I’m a data analyst by trade and I don’t find much merit in making emotional judgments about much of anything. That said, I can’t not make this very important, emotional point: If Chelsea wants to be successful this season, it needs to find its consistency in domestic play.

After a rather disappointing end to the last season, an absolutely putrid preseason tour of the United States and a flat performance to open against Everton at Goodison Park, there has been palpable tension amongst the club’s supporters regarding whether Tuchel and his players were appropriately prepared for a Premier League title challenge. That tension has subsided considerably after what many have dubbed a dominant performance at the Bridge last week, but not all concerns have been assuaged.

The good news is that we’re seeing early returns from the club’s centerpieces and new signings alike. Mason Mount and Reece James seem as though they are ready to take it to the next level as foundational blocks to this system. Meanwhile, Marc Cucurella, Kalidou Koulibaly and Raheem Sterling all have contributed positively in the immediate. It can be seen as a positive that this fluid system is yielding early returns with continuity and familiarity all ahead on the horizon given the changing landscape at the club right now.

Against Leeds, the squad has the opportunity to take yet another important step in that proving that consistency. Leeds represents a very beatable opponent, and while it is traditionally a frustrating opponent, a convincing win here would go a long way in doing something that the Blues often struggle to do—pummel a lesser opponent. Will Chelsea finally be able to consistently assert itself against lesser opponents? Will the squad show the chemistry they’ll require during a long season? This and much more will be what I’ll be watching for on Sunday.