In many eyes, Chelsea’s 3-1 defeat to Everton was hardly unforeseen. Conversely, it was all too predictable and the writing was on the wall so to speak. It can be easy to be reactionary or over-analytical, one may be guilty of both, but Chelsea’s start can no longer be catalogued as merely ‘poor.’
The defending Champions have endured their worst start to a campaign since 1988. Fact. Chelsea’s position of 16th after five games is the worst start by a defending champion since Blackburn in 1996. Rovers too were in 16th place after five games, but they were only eight points behind leaders Newcastle. Fact.
At this current point in time the term ‘defending champions’ also reads rather weak. As all underperforming professionals should react, the Chelsea players will be looking to heal their much-dented pride and ‘find a way’ as the cliché so often emerges, but defending their crown looks far out of reach. May I congratulate Manchester City on the 2015/2016 Premier League title in advance.
One thing the players do not seem to be concerned with however is the pride of the fans. The same fans that wear their names on their shirts and follow them across both land and sea. Absent in the performance at Goodison Park was leaders and the resultant grit, determination or fight. Too often we saw a Chelsea player take the easy route out; passing square, conceding space. The only reaction of note was a solitary, petulant foul from Willian.
Other than the obvious candidate, John Terry, Chelsea looks largely devoid of leaders who will fight for the fans and not just the final result. Petr Čech has gone, so too have the ever dependable Ricardo Carvalho and Claude Makélélé, not to mention club legends Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba. But not every team is acquitted with leaders all over the pitch, such teams are hard to come by.
Yet despite the evident rarity of these teams, the fight leaders emit throughout a team can also be created by a successful youth academy. Chelsea does, in fact, possess an academy with an embarrassment of riches. Just last season the FA Youth Cup and the UEFA Youth League were added to a long list of academy accolades. The problem is integrating tomorrow’s stars.
Players who progress through the ranks hold a strong affiliation with the club, an undying loyalty. An example would be Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The Lewisham-born midfielder has been with Chelsea since the age of eight and has proven when called upon that he is ready to make the step-up. Surely Loftus-Cheek could have contributed more than Cesc Fàbregas did on Saturday? Admittedly playing the youth now will be Mourinho’s least concern, he needs to deliver results and fast.
Cesc Fàbregas' game by numbers:
0 tackles won
0 aerial duels won
0 interceptions
0 assists
0 shots
0 crosses pic.twitter.com/vvFDQqcDXn— Squawka (@Squawka) September 12, 2015
Regarding the management, Mourinho should stay but the ‘Special One’ cannot be immune from criticism either. The decision to give the players an extended break and thus a later pre-season has ultimately backfired, something Mourinho has eluded to himself. The handling of the doctor situation has also left a lot to be desired. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Eva Carneiro is thought to be preparing legal action against the club.
Mourinho has thrived under pressure throughout his career, it is one of many traits that separate him from the rest. There is no quick-fire remedy to Chelsea’s form; Mourinho and co. now face an uphill task. One can only hope Abramovich gives Mourinho the time he needs and deserves.
For now one can only echo the words of Mourinho in his post-match interview. His decision, to bemoan their luck, a clear attempt to protect his players, has been bizarrely criticised from a large section of fans. Although, now it is time for the players to shoulder the blame and assume responsibility for what has been a disastrous start.
José Mourinho:
The results are not adapted to my quality and my status but I am coping well with the situation. I am the best man for the job. I don’t think there is a better man to come in and do it.
