Chelsea attracted a lot of criticism for spending too much money in the transfer market during the last two seasons. The Blues failed to finish inside the top-four in each of the last two seasons, which was not keeping with their exorbitant spending.
However, things seem a lot brighter this season. After having lost in their tough season-opener against Manchester City, Enzo Maresca’s men have won three of their last four league matches. Chelsea is now in the third position in the league table with 10 points from five matches.
The Blues beat West Ham United 3-0 in their last Premier League match at the London Stadium last Saturday. Nicolas Jackson scored a brace and Cole Palmer the third goal to ensure Chelsea’s emphatic win.
Jackson Finally Justifying His Signing
Jackson drew a lot of flak for his missed opportunities last season. That being said, his return of 17 goals in 44 matches last season is not bad at all for a young striker in his debut season in England.
This season, he has already scored four goals in six matches so far. He seems to have gained the confidence required to perform well at the highest level in football. He got a steady supply of through balls from his teammates that sliced open West Ham’s high line, as Chelsea broke open through counters on the day.
A couple of such through passes paved the way for Jackson’s brace, although his finishing skills were also needed for the successful completion of those moves. Palmer is thriving in the role of a No. 10, which makes Chelsea’s attack even more potent.
As a result, the Blues are now among the early favourites for a top four finish this season. That is the bare minimum Maresca should aim for in his debut season as the club’s manager. With the huge potential that is in store in his expensive squad, it is certainly within their reach.
Chelsea will play against Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest in their next two league matches, with their EFL Cup and UEFA Conference League matches thrown in between. Then they will square off against the mighty Liverpool on 20 October.
The Blues have not been very successful against the Reds in the last few seasons. Considering that, Maresca will want to earn at least a point from the match at Anfield. However, prior to that, it will certainly not hurt them to earn three points each from the matches against Brighton and Nottingham.
Both Jackson and Palmer will continue to be key to Chelsea’s plans. The Blues will need a lot of goals from those two players if they are to make their season a success. Palmer was adjudged the Young Player of the Year last season and has one of the most lethal left foots in England.
With Jackson also stepping up, the faithful at Stamford Bridge will be dreaming of considerable success. It remains to be seen whether Maresca’s men are able to capitalize on their good start and compensate for the failure suffered during last two seasons.