Breaking down Chelsea's case as genuine Premier League title contenders

Chelsea's Premier League title hopes have received an unexpected boost as they now sit just two points behind leaders Liverpool. Manager Enzo Maresca's tactics have sparked a remarkable turnaround, with their recent 2-1 win over Brentford pushing them closer to the top spot. Meanwhile, their rivals Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City have stumbled in recent matches.

From questions to contenders

Chelsea's attack has become their strongest asset this season, topping the Premier League scoring charts with 37 goals. Cole Palmer has matched the goal-scoring feats of Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland, while Nicolas Jackson has netted nine times in 15 appearances, showing significant improvement.

The midfield has found its rhythm with British record signing Enzo Fernandez at the centre. Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia have brought stability and versatility, allowing Maresca to rotate his squad effectively across multiple competitions.

Chelsea's recent game against Brentford highlighted their current form. Marc Cucurella and Nicolas Jackson put them 2-0 up, but Bryan Mbeumo's late goal caused some anxiety. Despite Cucurella's red card after the final whistle, the team held on for their fifth straight league win, extending their unbeaten run to ten matches.

Challenges ahead for Maresca's men

Maresca remains cautious about title talk, citing his squad's youth and lack of experience compared to their rivals. With an average age of 23.9 years and no Premier League winners in the team, they face significant hurdles.

The defence is still a concern, ranking tenth in expected goals against. Brentford's attacking threats during their recent match, including hitting the woodwork and forcing Robert Sanchez into key saves, exposed areas needing work.

The upcoming fixture list offers both opportunities and potential pitfalls. Matches against Everton, Fulham, and Ipswich could build momentum, but overconfidence could be costly. Maresca's ability to keep his team focused and manage the squad will be crucial during this period.

A Season of possibilities

While Maresca remains cautious, Brentford manager Thomas Frank has publicly recognised Chelsea as genuine title contenders. The situation echoes José Mourinho's 2013-14 campaign when he labelled his team "little horses" in the title race.

The team's resurgence is built on tactical flexibility, clever squad rotation, and standout performances from star players. Their attacking flair has brought new hope to Stamford Bridge.

As Chelsea gear up for upcoming challenges, questions linger about their young squad's ability to maintain their title push. Defensive improvements and experience may prove crucial, but Chelsea fans have reason for optimism. The Blues have transformed from observers to active participants in the title race, showing promising signs for the future.