Chelsea's short rise to prominence.
The immediate impact that Thomas Tuchel had on this Chelsea side since the sacking of Frank Lampard has been immense. A steady run of results, consistency in defense and a Champions League accolade to merely emphasize the outlandish arrival of the German at Stamford Bridge. At the moment, I think it's fair to say that Chelsea look like the real deal and are arguably, with their European glory, the best team in Europe alongside the likes of Bayern Munich. Some may argue that this praise is too early, but statically it is hard to disagree that Tuchel's side have all the necessary credentials to become world-beaters. According to OptaJoe, since the former PSG manager has taken charge, Chelsea have gathered 23 clean sheets, the most by any team in Europe's top five leagues. This has been the driving force behind Chelsea's newfound success, applying more focus on the defense, which in truth was becoming an issue under Lampard. Chelsea leaked goals before Tuchel and his experience as a stout defender for SSV Ulm is really coming to fruition. Tuchel also poses an impressive 65% win ratio with the Blues, cementing serious consistency into his side in a period which has saw him manage just 37 games, not even a full Premier League season. The Champions League triumph in Istanbul merely cements this rapid rise for Chelsea, spear-headed by this bright minded German. The managerial German influence is certainly a growing prospect, with Jurgen Klopp also an established Premier League stalwart. Tuchel's side look like the finished article, but the poor standards of Timo Werner last year, their marquee signing and destined talisman, meant that Roman Abramovich once again was forced to dip his hand into his lucrative pocket and spend big once more in the number 9 position. Romelu Lukaku was contacted, and the Belgium simply could not refuse, stating that Chelsea were the only club that could prize him away from Inter Milan. Since leaving Chelsea in 2014, Lukaku has played for four different clubs, scoring 160 goals. He has gone away from Stamford Bridge in a determined mission, banishing the demons gathered at Old Trafford, winning the Scudetto with Inter and now being established as one of the best strikers in the world.
Prime Romelu Lukaku.
Romelu Lukaku looked a failed prospect at Manchester United, with the expectation surrounding the Belgium being rather unfulfilled, Many pundits speculated whether it was the player or the club or a mix of both that caused the move to backfire. However, Lukaku has certainly answered that question these days and looks set to achieve great things with Tuchel at Chelsea. Timo Werner really was a blessing in disguise for Chelsea. Werner is undoubtedly a world class talent, offering great service down the flanks and has proved to be a stout provider rather than an out and out goal threat. Chelsea needed a standalone goal threat to lead the line and in Werner's defense, his physicality and play-style does not correlate with the system imposed by Tuchel. The German applied heavy emphasis on his teams structure, prioritizing defense and transitioning into attack at every opportunity. Werner will no doubt play a different role in the squad, but for this newfound Lukaku, he is the ultimate package for Tuchel. He offers a constant goal threat, a willing run in behind, and a consistent basis by which is teammates can utilize his unique hold-play. That was clearly evident in Chelsea's away fixture against Chelsea, where Lukaku practically bullied Pablo Mari for 90 minutes. Since his arrival, overall, Lukaku has had an immediate impact, scoring 3 in 4 in the league and scoring the decisive goal against Zenit St. Petersburg in his sides opening Champions League group stage tie. This is undoubtedly a Romelu Lukaku in his prime, and although his stats are not jaw-dropping, they are consistent, and in truth his general play in his first few games has been widely praised by pundits and journalists. With an array of talent surrounding him in Kai Havertz, Mason Mount and Timo Werner to name just a few in this star-studded Chelsea side, Lukaku is in good company. His physical transformation and renowned mental drive fits perfectly with Tuchel's own passionate prowess, and muster all this together with Chelsea's queue of talent in reserve, they are most people's favorites to win this year's Premier League.
Chelsea's popular backing for the Premier League.
It's been 4 years since Chelsea last won the league, much longer than the standards of Abramovich would tolerate. But now, this Chelsea side look destined to break that gap and return to English glory following their European success. Combining this resurgent Chelsea with the power of Lukaku is a mixture destined for some form of success and it is no wonder that many have labelled them as favorites for the English crown. Chelsea picked up 13 points from a possible 15, dropping points to only Liverpool at Anfield and it was in this exact fixture which became a real eye-opener for fanatics looking for their early season contender for the league. Chelsea took the lead through a brilliant Kai Havertz header, before Reece James was dismissed on the cusp of half-time for a handball on the Chelsea goal-line. Salah converted, and the second half looked bleak for Tuchel and his men. What transpired was one of the most disciplined defensive performances in recent history. Anfield was absolutely bouncing, and Chelsea surrendered the ball in an attempt to salvage what they had. Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen marshalled the Chelsea rearguard and lasted Liverpool to secure an extremely valuable point at arguably the most difficult away fixture of the campaign. It was a serious reminder to the rest of the league what threat this Chelsea side pose. It's not often that a defensive display resounds across the media and labels a team the standout favorites for the league. However, Chelsea's chance at the title comes in a season where the other top 3 of the respective top 4 pose similar promise to winning the league. Gary Neville spoke about this during the week, stating that "the Premier League is at the highest standard it has been for a long, long time". (Sky Sports, 2021). This could not be more accurately said, as the standard of the teams around Chelsea is unerring. Manchester City look as passively dominant as ever, despite their opening day loss to Spurs. Liverpool have recovered from that freak of an injury-ridden season and it looks as if normal service has resumed with the return of Virgil Van Dijk. Manchester United of course have their agenda to accomplish, and have re-signed Cristiano Ronaldo in an attempt to do so. These four mercurial teams all vying for glory, what a spectacle that will turn out to be. Chelsea still look, on the basis, the favorites amongst the media and sporting personal to win the league and if they do, it will be one of the most hard-fought title charges in the history of the competition.
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