Enzo Maresca's Chelsea have kicked off their 2025/26 campaign in a mostly positive manner that sees them sitting 2nd in the Premier League as of the September international break.
A lacklustre opening game against Crystal Palace, which ended 0-0, was swiftly improved on with a comfortable 5-1 win against West Ham. This was followed by a 2-0 win over West London rivals Fulham, which had its controversies, but nevertheless was won by the Blues.
As the transfer window came to a close, Chelsea had most of their business wrapped up in the early stages, but continued to work on outgoings, and Ben Chilwell made his permanent departure to Strasbourg.
The signing of Alejandro Garnacho was finally confirmed after a saga that spanned the entire transfer window. Facundo Buonanotte was also added to Chelsea's deep pool of attacking talent on loan from Brighton.
Let's look back at Chelsea's August:
Chelsea's first away trip of the season was a short one across London to face under-pressure Graham Potter and his West Ham United side. Chelsea's former manager had already been attracting some criticism after a dismal opening day performance against Sunderland in which they lost 3-0.
This result would not make his position any safer as Chelsea ran riot, winning 5-1 at the London Stadium. It was the Hammers who took the lead through a wonderful hit from Lucas Paqueta, who struck from 25 yards out to give his side the lead.
However, this would be a short-lived lead as Joao Pedro would soon head home from a corner to get his first Premier League goal in Chelsea blue. Maresca's team were the ones firmly in control as goals from Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez had the game seemingly won at half-time for Chelsea.
The Blues continued to solidify this in the second half, scoring from two corners in five minutes to make it 5-1. Moises Caicedo and Trevoh Chalobah were the players to get their names on the scoresheet and close out a wonderful performance by the team from SW6.
It was the perfect response to what was a dull display in the opening weekend against Crystal Palace, as Chelsea looked more like the side that won the Club World Cup this time out.
Joao Pedro has enjoyed a very good start to life at Chelsea. He had built on the solid foundations laid by himself in the latter stages of the Club World Cup, picking up exactly where he left off in the final against PSG.
He, of course, secured his first goal of the season against West Ham, heading the ball into the back of the net to open his 25/26 Premier League account. Two assists in this game solidified a superb performance from Pedro.
His second goal, also from a corner, came in the most recent match against Fulham on the stroke of half-time. This changed the whole complexion of the game, making the second half a much more comfortable one for the Blues.
For years, Chelsea have been longing for a regular goalscorer, as they hope that the Brazilian will be the answer to this problem. If his start to life at Chelsea is anything to go by, then the Blues may just have struck gold.
The Brazilian also offers a large aerial threat up front - something that Chelsea have not always had in recent years. Both his goals this season have been scored from corners, showing that he causes problems from set-pieces.
It has been a great month for Pedro, who will undoubtedly be looking to build on these performances in the coming matches.
Where it leaves us
Ahead of September, Chelsea currently sit in 2nd place in the Premier League, having won two and drawn one up to this point. Many would likely consider this a fair representation of the team's performances so far. However, they still have yet to face any of last season's top ten - the title contenders have had more difficult matches.
It's a good place for the Blues to be at this stage, as they will be looking to stay as close as possible to the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal.
Key takeaway - The squad depth is a sizeable strength
When Cole Palmer was out injured last season, there were serious concerns about who would come into the team to replace him and how dangerous the side would be without his presence.
However, this season it does not seem to be as much of a problem. Of course, Palmer is still a huge loss and any team would feel the absence of a player like him, but Chelsea has quality on the bench to replace him, with the most notable being Estêvão.
The Brazilian came in on short notice for Palmer against West Ham, but settled in quickly and provided a wonderful assist for Enzo Fernández's goal. He continued to impress against Fulham whilst the 23-year-old remained out.
This is not just true for the right-wing, as Chelsea have seriously deepened their squad, signing with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Jorell Hato and Andrey Santos, giving the Blues quality players that can make a difference off the bench, or when stepping in for an injured teammate.
This squad depth could help the London outfit bridge the gap between themselves and last season's title contenders, as they look to be within the fight this time around.
The look ahead
Chelsea have a busy September ahead, which opens with four consecutive matches away from home. They continue their run of opposition from London to open their season, as they travel to Brentford in their first game back from the international break.
Four days later, the Blues enter the Champions League after a two-season hiatus, where they will face a very tough test as they travel to Germany to face Bayern Munich. Upon their return to England, a clash with Manchester United awaits them before they close out this run of away matches with an EFL Cup match against Lincoln City.
Two home matches in four days close out September for Chelsea as they host Brighton in the Premier League before facing Benfica in their second Champions League match.