In my previous report on Chelsea
FC's start to the 2014/15 season,
I had written about the excellent
performances of Cesc Fabregas
and Diego Costa as being the key
to Chelsea's early season success.
Come November, a typically poor
time for the Blues, that still
remains true. Despite missing
games with his hamstring
problems and illness, Diego Costa
has banged in 10 goals in his
first 9 matches for the club,
including the game winner last
weekend at Anfield.
The forward has been prolific,
and truly looks to be the star
striker Chelsea has needed since
the Champions League winning
season of 2011/12. His link up
play with fellow Spanish
international Fabregas has
continued to be excellent, and
moreover Costa has been
working hard all over the pitch
for Chelsea.
In the Champions League the
Blues have been inconsistent.
They trounced NK Maribor 6-0 at
home, then drew 1-1 away. They
are in a good position to qualify
for the next round, but the
matches away to Schalke and the
final group stage match at
Stamford Bridge against Sporting
Lisbon could still provide some
trouble.
Chelsea sit on top of the Premier
League four points clear of
surprising 2nd place
Southampton and eight points
clear of Manchester City, the team
most likely to compete with
Chelsea for the league. This gap
is beneficial to Chelsea's title
chances, especially considering
away matches to United, City,
Liverpool and Everton are already
done.
Best starting XI:
-------Courtois
-------
Azpilicueta--Cahill--Terry
---Ivanovic
------Matic-–Fabregas
---–
Willian----Oscar----
Hazard–
-------Costa
-------–
Best Performer So Far: Diego
Costa. Costa's 10 goals in 9
matches is a blistering pace, and
Chelsea supporters are just
hoping he can keep the injuries
limited and help lead them to the
title. However, Nemanja Matic
gets a good shout as well, his
play in central midfield has been
stellar, operating as a midfield
‘destroyer' to compliment
Fabregas' attacking prowess.
Most Improved Player: Oscar. The
23-year-old Brazilian has shaken
off a disappointing end to last
season and even more
disappointing end to his World
Cup campaign to be a star for
Chelsea. His strong performances
have earned himself a new five-
year contract at Stamford Bridge.
Injury News: The Blues have had
a few injuries this season,
notably to Costa. The Spaniard
has missed a couple games due
to injury, but seemed healthy
against Liverpool. Fabregas also
played at Anfield with a
hamstring injury, but thankfully
both will get the international
break to heal after being
withdrawn from the Spanish
squad.
Positions to be addressed in the
transfer market: Personally I
don't see any grave concerns
that need to be addressed in the
window. I believe Chelsea did
some excellent business in the
summer transfer market, and
that this is the team to deliver a
title to Stamford Bridge.
Managerial Grade: A-. Jose
Mourinho has been his usual self,
injecting emotion into his team
and adjusting to poor
performances. He's still arguably
the best manager in world
soccer.
Weaknesses: There are still
occasional defensive lapses that
annoy supporters and risk
dropping points. Against United
and City away, specifically, the
Blues left four extra points in
Manchester (although the referee
in the United match didn't help
the matter).
Rating: 4/5 stars. Had the Blues
killed off either the Manchester
City match at the Etihad with a
man advantage, or the United
match at Old Trafford I would
have given the team 4.5 out of 5.
The draw away to Maribor brings
Chelsea down half a point as well,
in my mind. Yet overall, the Blues
look to be the best team England