Let’s be real here: the Chelsea FC of the 2014/15 season is missing. The current team that plays week in and week out are not the same, except for a few players obviously. The exceptions being Begovic, Willian and Azpilicueta.
Begovic has been solid in the back, and the reason we have not shipped more goals so far this term. Willian has now scored four free kicks in four straight games, which ties the club record for free kicks scored in a season. Willian was repeatedly said to be overrated because of his lack of goals — well now that argument can be thrown out the window. Azpilicueta does not need an explanation truthfully because, since the beginning of his Chelsea career, he has been a rock at the back.
So the main concern is: what can be done to turn the season around? To answer this first is to find out where this problem began. The problem began at the hands of West Brom in the latter stages of last season. By that time, we had decided that we no longer needed to play and began to celebrate our title. The players were visibly alright with the loss and did not seem bothered. A winning team would not have cared and would have battered West Brom or at least tried their best to not lose.
The 2004/05 team refused to lose even after their title-clinching game against Bolton, winning two and drawing one of their last three. They started the next season strong with ten wins in their first eleven games (one draw). The 2005/06 team dropped their final two games after clinching their title. This team would begin their season with a loss in the Community Shield and a loss in their second game of the season. The 2009/10 team won their final three games by a combined score of 17-0, brushing the likes of Liverpool, Stoke and Wigan aside.
This team would lose the Community Shield to a strong Manchester United side, but win both of their opening games by 6-0 scorelines. Then, leading up to the 2014/15 season, the 2013/14 team were unbeaten in their final 8 games.
It goes to show that there is a strong correlation in the form at the end of one season and the beginning of the next. The next step would be to find a solution. The Special One is known to be a master at winning titles everywhere he goes, but can he turn the Blues’ season around and even get them into the top four? The answer is yes. Yes, because this is a team with experience in all positions and a team of winners. From the goalkeeper all the way to the forwards, the current Chelsea squad knows how to win and knows what it takes.
The most important factor in the turnaround is the announcement that was made by the board. With the club’s full backing, and the backing of all its fans, Jose and the squad can turn this season around. It has to start with winning, regardless of how it comes. A win is a win and it does not matter if it is 1-0 or 10-0, Chelsea need to begin their rise back to the top. The club believes it. The fans believe it. I believe it. Now it’s up to Jose and the team.
Keep The Blue Flag Flying High!
