Chelsea’s Premier League title hopes have received a significant boost after a weekend where rivals Arsenal and Liverpool dropped points at home, and Manchester City’s struggles continued with a derby defeat. Enzo Maresca’s side secured their fifth consecutive league win, a 2-1 victory over Brentford, closing the gap on league leaders Liverpool to just two points. Chelsea’s impressive form extends further back than just this season; since mid-March, they have earned more Premier League points (61) than any other team, surpassing Arsenal, Manchester City, and Liverpool.
This sustained form, building on the momentum started under Mauricio Pochettino last spring, suggests Chelsea’s consistency is no longer a concern. Their current trajectory indicates a potential title challenge if they maintain this level of performance. A key factor working in Chelsea’s favor is the slightly less intense competition this season. With Liverpool currently projected to finish with 91 points, it’s possible the title-winning tally could be in the 80s, presenting a significant opportunity for Chelsea.
Cole Palmer has emerged as a crucial player for Chelsea, currently ranking third in Premier League goal scoring charts with 11 goals, behind only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah. However, Palmer’s contribution goes beyond goals; he leads the league in chances created, demonstrating his all-around impact on the team. At just 22, Palmer has embraced this responsibility, displaying remarkable confidence.
A key advantage for Palmer and Chelsea is their lack of European football commitments. Palmer hasn’t played any minutes in European competition, unlike Saka and Salah, who have already accumulated significant playing time in the Champions League and domestic cups. This fresher condition could prove decisive in the title race. This principle extends to other key Chelsea players as well, allowing them to focus solely on the Premier League. Chelseaโs previous title win under Antonio Conte in 2016/17, achieved while being out of Europe, offers a precedent.
Even with potential rotation and injuries, Chelsea’s participation in the Conference League has been beneficial. It has provided Maresca with opportunities to give game time to fringe players, ensuring match fitness across the squad. This contrasts with situations at other clubs where backup players have struggled for minutes. Chelsea has already utilized 32 players this season, with players like Marc Guiu, Joao Felix, and Christopher Nkunku contributing 15 goals between them. This depth gives Chelsea confidence in their ability to maintain their title challenge throughout the season. After a period of upheaval, there’s growing optimism that everything is falling into place for Chelsea.
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