By Chima Azu
Few weeks ago Chelsea looked like they will be running away with the league especially after defeating Leicester city convincingly at the King Power Stadium 3:0; that was followed by a four nil victory over Italian giants Juventus. However, Chelsea have only won one game in their last 5 matches in all competitions.
After playing out a goalless draw against Wolves on Sunday, that increased the points between them and leaders Manchester City to six points and they are surprisingly the same point ahead of rejuvenated fourth placed Arsenal.
The Blues attempt for the game to be postponed due to seven of their players being out with Covid-19 failed with the league body asking that the game should go ahead. The goals have gradually dried up and three of their attacking players ( Odoi, Werner and Lukaku) that could help get those goals are self isolating because of their positive Covid-19 cases.
Also, Chelsea’s defense that was once their strength is now very leaky. Tuchel’s men have conceded 9 goals in their last 5 matches, notably amongst them is the 3:3 draw in their last Champions League game against Zenith. They also shipped in 2 at home against struggling Leeds united which they narrowly won 3:2.
Pep Guardiola’s men are still the team to beat and are crushing any team that comes their way currently. With city increasing the lead at the top,Chelsea would need a lot of consistency to close that gap and pose a title challenge. However, is not looking like the guys from Stamford Bridge can topple Pep’s men, City have won their last 10 league games and is looking like there’s no stopping them. They will be playing city by January 15 away from home and would be hoping to revenge their first leg loss but that is looking like an uphill task with their current form.
Chelsea’s next four games are not easy games on paper (Brentford {A}, Aston Villa {A}, Brighton {H} and Liverpool, {H}). The Blues need to raise their game with these forthcoming matches and hope that city and Liverpool drop points otherwise their hope for a sixth EPL title will not be possible this season.
