Chelsea's recent history has been a rollercoaster, and it begs the question: can they pull off another remarkable turnaround?
In 2015-16, Chelsea finished a lowly 10th, but under the guidance of Antonio Conte, they became champions just a year later. Now, with Xabi Alonso at the helm, can they replicate that success?
The parallels between then and now are intriguing. Chelsea's performance last season mirrors their 2015-16 campaign, and Alonso's tactical prowess, evident in his Bundesliga triumph with Bayer Leverkusen, offers a glimmer of hope.
A Tactical Switch and a Fresh Start
One key factor in Conte's success was his tactical switch to a back three after a disappointing start. This change in formation had a transformative effect, leading to an incredible winning streak. Alonso, with his experience in a similar system, could implement a similar strategy, especially given his success with Leverkusen.
The Challenge Ahead
However, the task ahead is daunting. Chelsea would need to improve their points tally by a significant margin, a feat only achieved once before in Premier League history. But with a lower bar for championship wins in recent seasons, the Blues might not need to reach the same heights as Conte's team.
Underlying Strengths and Weaknesses
Despite their 10th-place finish, Chelsea's underlying statistics suggest they were a better team than their position indicated. They dominated in expected goals, but their finishing let them down. A bizarre slump in March and April saw them lose five consecutive games without scoring, a rare occurrence.
The Benefits of No European Football
Interestingly, Chelsea's lack of European football this season could be a blessing in disguise. History shows that the 'Big Six' clubs often perform better without the added strain of mid-week European fixtures. On average, these clubs move up five places and gain 16 more points when focusing solely on domestic competitions.
Alonso's Track Record
Xabi Alonso's transformation of Bayer Leverkusen is a testament to his managerial abilities. Taking over a struggling team, he led them to a respectable sixth-place finish in his first season. In his full season, Leverkusen achieved an unprecedented 40-point improvement, winning the Bundesliga without a single loss.
A Remarkable Turnaround
Only two Premier League teams have achieved the feat of winning the title after finishing outside the top three the previous season. Chelsea's potential repeat of this achievement would be extraordinary. With a strong underlying performance, the benefits of a focused schedule, and a manager who has already worked magic, it's a tantalizing prospect.
Conclusion
While it's a challenging task, Chelsea's current situation offers an exciting opportunity. With the right tactics, a focused mindset, and a bit of luck, they could once again defy the odds and claim the Premier League title. It's a testament to the beauty of football that such dramatic turnarounds are possible, and it's a narrative that will keep fans enthralled throughout the season.
