When this season began, Chelsea were, frankly, being laughed at by many fans – including some of the club’s own. Well, they’re not laughing now! As we enjoy (or not) the current international break, the Blues are positioned in fourth spot in the Premier League and only Liverpool have scored more goals.
The Blues are through to the last 16 of the EFL Cup and won their opening Europa Conference League league-phase game 4-2, despite fielding a second, or even third, team. A quick look at the Premier League odds shows they are now fourth favourites for the title. At big odds of 16/1, they remain a long shot, reflecting the fact that they are a work in progress. However, they have definitely started more brightly than many would have expected and the fact they are still in the hunt after seven games is very encouraging.
Despite their much-derided and seemingly scattergun approach to the transfer market, Chelsea now appear to have one of the strongest squads in the top flight. They have genuine strength in depth, arguably more than any other side, and in Cole Palmer they may well have the best player in the league.
Just How Far Can Chelsea Go This Term?
It is, of course, early days, and Chelsea’s results so far have been mixed. Moreover, whilst they have played Manchester City and Brighton at home, plus West Ham away, overall their fixtures have been relatively kind.
Enzo Maresca Settling Well
But there are certainly many reasons to be optimistic about Chelsea’s future, which is not necessarily something we have been able to say too often of late. Enzo Maresca has settled very well at the club, both in terms of the team’s performances on the pitch, and how he appears to be working with the club hierarchy off it.
Positive Team Spirit
Team spirit and unity, always likely to be a problem when there is so much churn and so many new faces, appear better than ever. Maresca has a tricky balancing act keeping so many top players happy when Chelsea have such a big squad. But thus far he is managing it very well and there are plenty of smiling faces on the pitch.
There has been no repeat of the bickering and in-fighting we saw at the end of last season and all in all, there seems to more harmony than might be reasonable to expect under the circumstances. Results help very much in that regard and at times Chelsea have been superb this term.
Decent Goals So Far
In all competitions, they have already scored three or more goals on five occasions, including in four of the last five. They head into the international break unbeaten in seven and the likes of Palmer, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson and Jadon Sancho have all been superb. If Maresca can tighten things up at the back Chelsea could develop into a very strong team.
Palmer: The Ace in the Pack
Chelsea have expensive players in every area of the pitch, plus warming the bench, and many are now starting to show their best football. That strength in depth means they do not have to fear injuries too much but the one player who they must keep fit is former City man, Palmer. He was incredible last season and has been even better this term.
Six Goals and Counting
In the Premier League, the ice-cold attacker has six goals already, having appeared in the first seven league games. In addition, he has added in a further five assists. 11 goal involvements from seven games is a world-class return and if Palmer stays fit and maintains this form – or, dare we dream, gets even better – Chelsea could really spring a surprise this term.
Maresca has been quick to distance his side from the title race and he is right to play down their chances, if only to take the pressure off. Chelsea’s outright Premier League odds are probably a fair reflection of where they are right now and it would be a big surprise if they were to finish in the top three, let alone win the league.
The Future Is Bright at the Bridge
That said, we definitely feel the Blues can win some silverware this term. That is most likely to be in the shape of the Europa Conference League, even if Maresca opted to rest Palmer for that, leaving him out of the tournament squad. Chelsea are priced at odds of just 11/8 for European glory, ahead of Fiorentina at 5/1.
But the Blues could also taste success in the domestic cups too. They face a tough test away at Newcastle next but get through that and who knows? They will also fancy their chances of winning the FA Cup and in both of these competitions, they may have the edge on rivals due to their squad strength and use of their second string in Europe. For the first time in a long time, the future is bright at the Bridge!