Chelsea have put themselves back into contention for the Premier League title, after winning four games from four in October, including four clean sheets. The only downside to an otherwise immaculate run of results was the Blues’ exit from the EFL Cup at the hands of West Ham – in a game that was marred by more crowd disruptions at West Ham’s new London stadium.
October began with a 2-0 win against Hull City, at the KCOM Stadium. The first game of the month also brought about a new formation, as Conte introduced the 3-4-3 formation that has brought him so much success throughout his career. Willian and Diego Costa grabbed the goals on the day, with almost identical curling efforts.
Next week saw Chelsea face reigning champions Leicester City, and they dispatched them with ease, as Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and Victor Moses rounded off a dominant 3-0 display.
The acrimonious return of Jose Mourinho was next on the list for the Blues, in wake of the 20th anniversary of Matthew Harding’s death. And Chelsea put on a display worthy of the great man’s name, as they humiliated Mourinho’s men 4-0. A goal within the first 30 seconds of the game from Pedro set the tone for the afternoon – whilst Gary Cahill, Eden Hazard and a first Chelsea goal for N’Golo Kante compiled Mourinho’s humiliation further.
A midweek trip to West Ham in the EFL Cup saw Chelsea waste a host of opportunities, as the Blues fell to a 2-1 defeat. Two early goals either side of half-time put West Ham in control before Gary Cahill grabbed a late consolation goal.
But Chelsea sealed the month with a 2-0 win against Southampton, as both Costa and Hazard once again got themselves on the score sheet.
