Following Chelsea's thrilling and pretty thorough defeat of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, the Blues and superstar Cole Palmer are the talk of the nation. Enzo Maresca saw his high calibre squad of men come from behind to beat English capital rivals Spurs at their own Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Palmer was instrumental and, at times, imperious as the west London outfit strode to victory in the second half.
Many people, including Maresca, still consider his side to be a work in progress. Yet Chels are certainly in this season's EPL title race. You'll know exactly why Chelsea Football Club are Premier League title contenders when you read this article through to the end.
The pressure's on Liverpool
Chelsea's overall improvement and displays have seen them rise above a struggling Manchester City and the often impressive Arsenal. While the Reds are in pole position, they shall be under duress to remain in first place.
For all of his good points, Arne Slot is a new manager at his club, just like Maresca. And the Blues have nothing to lose. The astute CFC boss recently admitted that his team are 'ahead of expectations'.
The pressure's off Manchester City
I think we all expected the Citizens to make the necessary and enhancing signings required over the past summer. They didn't. In the meantime, CFC have strengthened and unified.
In fact, the City squad has regressed: ageing and injuries have exposed Man City and fumbling footballing genius Pep Guardiola. I consider them out of the race at this stage; Rodri's absence for a further significant period feels fatal.
The promising fixture schedule
If you weren't aware, Chels have a remarkable sequence of winnable EPL matches ahead. In the upcoming weeks at Stamford Bridge, the Blues play Brentford, Fulham, Bournemouth, Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United.
Whilst away games up until January 2025 are also favourable: Everton, Ipswich Town and Crystal Palace. Liverpool probably have the best run aside from the Blues.
Enzo Maresca at Chelsea's helm
It's now fair to say, pretty much, that Maresca was the right choice to succeed Mauricio Pochettino. The Italian is a real asset on Fulham Road. However, he had to navigate negative questioning from fans, pundits and journalists prior to the obvious advancement which is currently in progress.
Eyebrows rose and questions emerged as the former Manchester City coach created a 'bomb squad', for example. And the 44-year-old was further quizzed when he split his senior roster in half for respective EPL and Europa Conference League outings. Maresca was subsequently vindicated in every respect.
Where do you thinkthe Blues will end up in 2024/25?