With several months left to go in the race for the Premiere League title, Chelsea F.C. are 10 points clear at the top of the table. Despite a 1-1 draw today with Burnley, they have shown no sign of slowing down. After an opening few months to the season that saw the title a close affair, Chelsea blew things open with a record tying 13 game winning streak.
Italian coach Antonio Conte, in his first season in charge of the London club, has marshaled the team into a strong unit with tremendous organization and mental toughness. He has successfully brought star player Eden Hazard back to his world beater form of seasons past, propelling the team forward with a slew of goals and assists. Conte has also brought striker Diego Costa back to peak form, and despite his disciplinary issues, has led the line for Chelsea and been a large factor in their success this season. Finally, with key formational changes and the addition of star midfielder N’golo Kante, the Italian boss has Chelsea looking like the unequivocal best team in England. The question is, will they sustain this form?
10 points, while not insurmountable for the rest of the top four teams, Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool, will be difficult ground to make up. Chelsea must slip up, and other top clubs must make the most of their meetings with the first place team. With the most decisive stretch of the season yet to come, here’s hoping the title race will become a little more interesting.
Eden Hazard terrorizing defenders (Photo Credit: ESPN FC)
The Football Times 