Chelsea’s surprising surge: Key takeaways from the Blues’ season so far

As the Premier League is in between the final international break of the year, Chelsea finds themselves in an unexpectedly promising position. The Blues sit third in the table, with only goal difference separating them from title challengers Arsenal, and a mere four points spanning third to 13th place in a tightly contested league.

Given their difficult start to the campaign, Chelsea’s rise under Enzo Maresca has exceeded expectations, offering plenty of encouragement to supporters. Here are three key insights into the team’s progress so far this season:

A Young, Gritty Team on the Ascent

Chelsea’s squad this season boasts the youngest average age in the league. Remarkably, the 10 youngest starting XIs fielded in the Premier League in 2024-25 all belong to the Blues, with the youngest lineup averaging just 23 years and 89 days in a 2-1 victory over Newcastle at Stamford Bridge.

Youth, however, has not translated to a lack of fight or intensity. Despite facing the league’s third-toughest set of fixtures, Chelsea have only suffered defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City, currently the benchmark teams in English football. Even more impressively, they’ve shown resilience that has been absent in recent seasons, recovering from deficits against Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester United to earn points in two of those matches.

This newfound mental toughness reflects the team’s growing maturity. While the gap to challenging for titles remains significant, Chelsea’s ability to go toe-to-toe with elite opponents signals a bright future. As the young core continues to develop, the Blues may soon reestablish themselves as genuine title contenders.

A Natural Leader Emerging in Midfield

While Reece James remains Chelsea’s official captain, injuries and inconsistency have limited his opportunities to lead from the front. In his absence, the captain’s armband has passed to various players, with Moisés Caicedo standing out as a natural leader.

The Ecuadorian midfielder has been instrumental for Chelsea, leading the Premier League in tackles and interceptions (56 combined). Caicedo’s relentless work rate, commitment to disrupting opposition play, and ability to protect his teammates embody the qualities of a captain. He covers every blade of grass, exemplifying leadership through action and passion.

Maresca has previously questioned James’s leadership qualities, and Caicedo could provide a compelling alternative. His performances and demeanor on the pitch suggest he is ready to take on greater responsibility should the need arise.

Palmer’s Tactical Challenge

Cole Palmer has been Chelsea’s standout attacking threat this season, leading the team in goal contributions. However, his recent performances in high-profile games have drawn criticism. While his subdued showing at Anfield can largely be attributed to Curtis Jones’s excellent marking, other struggles appear to stem from tactical adjustments.

In matches against Arsenal and Manchester United, Maresca tasked Malo Gusto with inverting into midfield and occupying advanced attacking positions. This shift forced Palmer to operate more centrally or move to the left, limiting his effectiveness. Gusto, while an industrious player, lacks the technical ability to thrive in attacking areas, making the experiment a detriment to the team’s overall cohesion.

Moving forward, Maresca will need to reconsider this approach. Restoring Palmer to his preferred role on the right, where he can influence games by drifting inside, should be a priority if Chelsea are to maximize their attacking potential.

The Road Ahead

Chelsea’s path to the winter break appears significantly less daunting than their opening 11 fixtures. Five of their next nine league matches come against teams currently in the bottom six, presenting a golden opportunity to consolidate their position and push for a top-four finish.

If the Blues can continue to build on their promising performances, this season could mark the beginning of a resurgence under Maresca. While challenges remain, Chelsea’s progress offers hope for an exciting future.