Could Eden Hazard drag Chelsea to the Premier League title?

Maurizio Sarri’s men dispatched a plucky Southampton side on Sunday, with Eden Hazard continuing his sensational form we may need to reconsider Chelsea’s title challenge.

In spite of Maurizio Sarri’s aesthetically pleasing football, he has failed to win a trophy in his managerial career. That may be about to change; his Chelsea side are yet to lose a competitive fixture this season and there are reasons to be positive across the pitch.

New goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga has gone from strength to strength in recent games. He has kept 6 clean sheets in all competitions so far and showcased his progression with two sublime saves from Nathan Redmond and Danny Ings.

David Luiz and Antonio Rüdiger are forging a reliable partnership in the heart of Chelsea’s defence. Many questioned Luiz’s ability to play in a back four, although a liability in the past he has been dependable and assured in Sarri’s new system.

Eden Hazard, currently the best player in the Premier League remains the key to this side. Previously shackled by defensive tacticians he is starting to enjoy his football again and is thriving in a totally free role. The mercurial Belgian was always the League’s best dribbler but he’s added goals to his game now and is developing a ruthless streak; currently the Premier League’s top scorer with 7 goals, he also has 3 assists. His assistant coach Gianfranco Zola maintains he has even more to give, Chelsea fans will hope so, Hazard is simply unplayable right now.

The form of strikers Álvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud remains an obvious concern. Although Morata scored during the week he has looked low on confidence and nervous in front of goal. He did manage to get his name on the scoresheet on Sunday however and that should bolster him ahead of the international break.

If Chelsea are to sustain a title challenge they may need new additions come January. Nabil Fekir was linked during the summer window and he could add an extra dimension in attack whilst sharing the goalscoring burden with Hazard.

Liverpool and Manchester City remain the favourites to lift this seasons crown, but Chelsea have a squad full of experience; players who have competed and won trophies at the top-level. If they are still in the title picture after Christmas then that has to count for something. Don’t be too surprised if the Premier League trophy returns to Stamford Bridge come the May.