Chelsea
established themselves as Premier League favourites with their summer
acquisitions, hit the front by winning their first four games and have led
the way ever since. Is there any way back for their rivals? Adam Bate looks
at the reasons why Jose Mourinho’s men still have work left to do…
Perhaps it will require a sighting of Jean Van de Velde riding the ghost of
Devon Loch around Stamford Bridge to convince anyone that Chelsea could
possibly throw away the Premier League title this season.
However, with Arsenal and Manchester United joining Manchester City in the
race for second, there are still three teams clinging on to slim hopes of
catching the long-time leaders and the door has been left ajar just enough
for fans of those teams to dare to dream.
From the reasons for Chelsea’s unlikely dip in form to the unexpected hot
streaks enjoyed by the Gunners and United, here are five reasons why – for
now – there is some life left in this title race…
Faltering form
The familiar claim that it’s not easy to turn form on and off ought to be a
concern for Chelsea supporters as it’s already cost them a tilt at the
Champions League trophy this season. Mourinho’s side have arguably failed to
perform anywhere near to their best since defeating Swansea at the Liberty
Stadium in mid-January.
Since winning on Boxing Day, Chelsea have picked up 22 points from 11 games
– respectable enough but if that continues over the next seven games then
Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United would each be mathematically
capable of taking this race down to the final day.
Home hiccups
Surprisingly, where Chelsea’s wobble has been most evident is at home.
Mourinho’s record at Stamford Bridge remains remarkable but chinks have been
appearing of late amid the understandable atmosphere of expectancy. The
Blues have won two of their last seven home games in all competitions and
that includes an extra-time triumph over Liverpool in a game that was
goalless after 90 minutes.
Burnley and Southampton have both held Chelsea in recent weeks and with
Manchester United and Liverpool still to visit Stamford Bridge, their record
in front of their own fans will be tested to the full before the season is
out.
League Cup lull?
Although Manchester City used their Capital One Cup triumph over Sunderland
last season as a catalyst for title success, the three previous winners of
the competition all experienced the sort of slump in form that could prove
problematic for 2015’s Wembley winners Chelsea.
Swansea’s points haul was 0.55 per game lower after their 2013 win,
Liverpool managed 0.56 points per game fewer in 2012 and Birmingham’s dipped
0.40 points the year before. Any of those drop offs following the mental and
physical exertions of their cup victory would potentially be enough to put
Chelsea within catching distance of their rivals.
Signs of tiredness
Whatever the outcome, most would surely agree we’ve already seen Chelsea’s
2014/15 peak. The swaggering side that went unbeaten in all competitions
until December is looking tired and that seems logical given that Mourinho
opted against major rotation in those early months of the campaign in order
to build up momentum and with it a healthy lead. But are they now feeling
the effects?
Of the 10 outfield players to have played the most minutes among top four
teams, six are at Chelsea. Curiously, none of them are at Man City and while
continuity at Chelsea has been a key strength, it might be that they haven’t
paced themselves to peak in the final months of the season.
Others on the rise
Although Chelsea could ordinarily hope to benefit from their European exit,
the unusual situation this season means that none of the chasing pack have
overseas commitments either. As a result, at least one of the teams below
them could well put a run together.
City showed their ability to do just that with their winning streak at the
back end of last season, while there are ominous indications that United
could be clicking into top gear having won their last four. Arsenal do have
FA Cup commitments but have won their last six Premier League games and with
Chelsea still to visit the Emirates Stadium, they might yet fancy their
chances of capitalising on any slip ups.
Conclusion
Ultimately, of course, the reason why Devon Loch’s Grand National collapse
and Van de Velde’s Open Championship meltdown have entered folklore is
precisely because these moments are so rare in sport. The Sky Bet odds make
Chelsea 1/12 to lift the title for the fifth time in their history.
That reflects not only their lead but also the fact that they’ve been the
Premier League’s best team this season – unbeaten at home, top scorers away
and with the best defensive record in the division. Catchable? In theory.
But Mourinho’s men will be looking to slam the window of opportunity shut
sooner rather than later - starting with the visit of Stoke City on
Saturday Night Football.
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