Back in the summer, Very few people predicted Chelsea would be two points off top spot at this stage of the season.
The massive turnover of players meant a season of transition was in store for the Blues and new boss Enzo Maresca. However, the ex-Leicester City boss has defied the odds, and along with the likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson, steered Chelsea to title contention.
But are they really contenders or is it all smoking mirrors?
Here are three reasons why Chelsea can win the Premier League
1. Chelsea are in-form
Since beating Newcastle 3-2 in mid-March, nine months ago now, Chelsea have won more Premier League games than any other team. In fact, they have picked up 61 points in that period, six more than Arsenal and Manchester City. Seven more than Liverpool.
Mauricio Pochettino had begun to show signs of turning things around in the spring and Maresca has built on that momentum. Fears over Chelsea’s consistency would appear unfounded. If they maintain the form of the last 28 games for the next 22, they can do it.
2. Manchester City’s collapse opens the door
Chelsea must remain consistent but it helps when the juggernaut called Manchester City have fallen off so inexplicably. This leaves the door open for a new team to take over and while Liverpool have shown strong form throughout the course of the season, Chelsea have emerged as genuine contenders.
As long as Maresca’s men remain close to the top, there is no way you can write them off, especially in a two-horse race.
3. Cole Palmer has what it takes
Special players can make the difference and Chelsea boast one of the very best in Cole Palmer. The England international has scored 11 goals in the Premier League this season, placing him behind only Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah in the charts.
But scoring goals is only part of what Palmer brings to Chelsea’s team, drifting around the pitch to identify any way in which he can make things happen for his team.
No player in the Premier League has created more chances than Palmer has this season. If he stays fit, the Blues have a real chance.
