Chelsea are proving they have what it takes to finish in the top four this year

The Blues have won seven straight matches across all competitions since late September and have looked very exciting all over the pitch.

After Chelsea’s Premier League opener against Manchester United on August 11th where they were beaten 4-0, a lot of critics and pundits across Europe were quick to write off Frank Lampard‘s new-look squad. A transfer ban has prevented them from being able to bring in any new players and it looked like it may hurt them. But looking at their form in the last month or so, they look absolutely fantastic.

There were some people who believed in the youth movement that’s happening at Stamford Bridge, then others who thought they needed more experience. We’re now closing in on three months into the Premier League campaign, and the blues sit tied for third place with Leicester City, who also have 20 points. Arsenal, Tottenham, and Man United have all immensely struggled this year in all aspects, as Chelsea sits ahead of all three.

Lampard’s back line anchored by Kurt Zouma has looked shaky at times this year, especially on Saturday when they allowed two second-half goals to Burnley after taking a 4-0 lead. But when it comes to their attack, there is so much excitement from flank to flank. They’ve bagged 2.3 goals per game this year, which is tied for third in the Premier League. To think that Lampard has players like Callum Hudson-Odoi, Michy Batshuayi, and Olivier Giroud on the bench at various times is a huge positive for this club.

Youngsters doing their part

Seeing Christian Pulisic finally break out over this past week was very fulfilling. The 57 million euros American who came over from Dortmund earlier this year had a rough start to his Chelsea career, struggling to break into the starting eleven. But recently he’s getting his opportunity, starting last week in the blues huge 1-0 win in Champions League competition on the road in Amsterdam against Ajax where he single-handily set up Batshuayi for a late winner.

He came on in the 66th minute and created tons of chances down the left flank, using his tremendous pace and skill. Then against Burnley on the weekend, Pulisic was absolutely world-class, netting a hat-trick and scoring a goal with his left foot, right foot, and head. His first two goals were a prime example of the top talent that the 21-year old is.

The first goal he intercepted the ball in a dangerous area, used his speed to soar into the 18-yard box, beat a defender with a fancy step-over, and perfectly placed a low hit into the right corner. The youngster created so many exciting runs down the left flank in this match and has definitely fought his way into the starting eleven for the time being after this outstanding performance.

Other young guns like Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham, Fikayo Tomori, and Callum Hudson-Odoi have all looked promising this year as well, with the first three breaking into the starting lineup for Frank Lampard. Abraham has emerged as arguably the most lethal goal-scorer in a blues uniform this year, scoring seven times in PL competitions so far. Tomori has been an absolute rock next to Zouma on the back-line, giving Chelsea a solid defender who can hold his own and has enough speed and presence to chase down attackers.

Mount has been solid in the final third, starting all 10 Premier League matches for Lampard, contributing four goals and an assist. Hudson-Odoi has basically just returned from a serious ankle injury, so he’ll be eased into consistent minutes but we all know just how special of a talent the young Englishmen is.

Midfield has been solid

Mateo Kovacic and Jorginho have both been much better this year in the midfield for Chelsea, orchestrating the middle of the pitch and facilitating the ball nicely out to the youngsters with tremendous pace on the flanks. Jorginho and Kovacic both had the most touches amongst Chelsea and Burnley players over the weekend, with the Croatian tallying 130 touches and 104 for Jorginho. Both midfielders completed over 90 accurate passes each as well in the match. Jorginho is also third in the Premier League this year with 740 passes.

N’golo Kante hasn’t played since early October because of a groin injury, appearing in just four league games this campaign. He’s proven over the last couple of years to be one of the most instrumental players for Chelsea. Taking into account that he’s barely even played during their win streak is very impressive and shows that this team has a lot more talent than people give them credit for.

Last week’s win over Ajax in UCL competition was a huge positive for this club and really showed all of Europe they’re a force to be reckoned with. Chelsea went into an amazing atmosphere at Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam and outplayed the Semi-finalists from last year’s competition. I know they don’t have Frenkie de Jong and Mattihjs de Ligt anymore, but Ajax is still a very good side with lots of skill, especially in the final third.

Chelsea has yet to play Tottenham, Manchester City, and Arsenal, which will all be crucial matches. They may have not played the toughest of teams so far in the Premier League, but the blues have been scoring loads of goals and putting up respectable performances in all competitions as of late. It’s still very early in the 2019-20 campaign, but Lampard’s young squad are showing that they absolutely have what it takes to finish in the top four this season.

If they can continue to play well enough all year to secure a top-four spot, it’s going to speak a lot to Frank Lampard’s ability to use the talent he has with the transfer ban still in effect.

The blues take on Manchester United on Wednesday in Carabao Cup competition at Stamford Bridge and will look to get revenge on the Red Devils after their previous defeat in August.