Cole Palmer and Jadon Sancho were all smiles after the hard-fought victory over Brentford.
Image credit: Chelsea FC
Chelsea’s resurgence under Enzo Maresca has left football fans and pundits wondering: could the Blues really be on course for a Premier League title?
Sunday’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Brentford marked their seventh consecutive win in all competitions and pushed them into second place, just two points behind leaders Liverpool.
For a team that was dismissed as “billion-pound bottle-jobs” less than a year ago, this turnaround is nothing short of remarkable.
However, Maresca is not ready to embrace the title talk just yet.
“It’s not about how many games we win. It’s about being realistic,” the Chelsea manager remarked after the match. “There are things we have to do better. That’s why I said, for me, we are not ready.” While the fans may dream of glory, Maresca is keeping his focus firmly on gradual improvement.
A Stunning Turnaround
Chelsea’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. In February, they were struggling to justify the billion pounds spent on transfers, sitting far from the top of the table.
Fast forward to December, and they are unbeaten in 10 games, having won their last five league matches. They’ve even managed to pull four points clear of Arsenal and seven ahead of defending champions Manchester City.
Their success isn’t just about points on the board—it’s about their newfound attacking prowess. Chelsea have now scored in 15 consecutive Premier League games, showing a consistency that eluded them in previous seasons.
Moises Caicedo, one of the standout performers, believes this team has limitless potential. “The sky’s the limit,” he declared confidently after the Brentford game.
The Upcoming Test
The next few weeks could define Chelsea’s season. With Liverpool facing a tricky fixture against Tottenham, the Blues have a chance to leapfrog the Reds if they beat Everton next weekend.
This sets up an exciting title race, with Chelsea demonstrating a blend of grit and flair that makes them genuine contenders.
But challenges remain. Maresca is acutely aware of his team’s defensive vulnerabilities, which could be exploited in high-stakes games. “There are things we need to do better,” he emphasized, hinting at the fine margins that separate title winners from runners-up.
Opposition managers are certainly paying attention. Brentford’s Thomas Frank described Chelsea as “right up there in the title race. They’re very good.” This recognition from a respected tactician underlines how far Chelsea have come in recent months.
From Crisis to Contenders
So, can Chelsea truly go all the way? It’s a tantalizing possibility. With momentum on their side and key players hitting form, the Blues look poised to challenge for the Premier League crown.
While Maresca’s caution is understandable, the team’s recent performances suggest that fans have every right to dream.
From a turbulent start to potential glory, Chelsea’s journey this season is shaping up to be one of the most compelling stories in recent Premier League history.
Whether or not they lift the trophy, one thing is certain: Chelsea are back, and they mean business.