Jun 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Spain striker Diego Costa (19) stands on the field prior to Spain
Chelsea has started the season in spectacular form. Topping the table in the Barclays Premier League and leading their group in the UEFA Champions League, it appears that Chelsea is one of the favorites to win both trophies. However, it is important to look at the composition of this squad. If Diego Costa cannot continue his unbelievable scoring form, does this club have anyone who can step up to carry the goal scoring responsibilities?
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Chelsea has started the season with an impressive 13 game unbeaten streak. Winners in 10 of their first 13 games, Chelsea have firmly established themselves as the favorite to win the Barclays Premier League. However, this past weekend against Sunderland revealed a key weakness in this squad. Diego Costa is leading Chelsea with 11 goals this season. The next best scorer for Chelsea is Eden Hazard with just four goals. This raises an important question. Is Chelsea deep enough at striker to win games if Diego Costa stops scoring or gets injured? It appears that the answer is “no”.
The Top Flight
A quick look at the squad list of Chelsea and most soccer fans realize that the team only has one proven striker. If the often injured Costa were to go down with an injury, Chelsea would be forced to turn to the 36-year-old Didier Drogba or the unproven talent Loic Remy. If this situation occurs, expect Chelsea to struggle.
If this season has taught us anything, it is that a full strength Chelsea squad are the best team in the Barclays Premier League. However, the teams that have been able achieve success in the Premier League and the Champions League are those who possess a deep bench. Chelsea has the much-needed depth at a variety of positions. However, they are lacking proven goal scorers to come off the bench. If Chelsea does not add a proven striker in the January transfer window, expect them to struggle as the games pile up and the inevitable injuries occur.