This season’s Premier League title looks like it’s Arsenal’s to lose. They have been building momentum in recent seasons but have been pipped to the post by formidable units (be it Guardiola’s all-conquering City or Slot’s fledging Reds).
But with Guardiola flagging and the Slot-machine in disrepair, the Gunners seem destined to break their 20+ year title-drought. But could there be a dark horse on the horizon? Enzo Marseca’s Chelsea are suddenly looking like Arsenal’s most plausible title rivals, rising to 2nd in the current Premier standings following a workmanlike 2-0 win at Burnley. Moreover, the West London giants took down European royalty last night, thrashing a hapless Barcelona 3-0. As Chelsea prepare to host Arsenal this coming weekend, I want to pinpoint some of the key factors behind Chelsea’s resurgent form.
Midfield Supremacy
This Chelsea side lives and dies by that midfield region. Honestly, the whole enterprise would possibly crumble without the midfield duo of Caicedo and Fernandez (no disrespect to the likes of Lavia and Santos). Todd Boehly took the Premier League by storm when he replaced Roman Abramovich, burning through players like Augustus Gloop burnt through Wonka chocolate bars. And he didn’t care about paying over and beyond for players, quickly gaining a reputation for cavalier purchases. There were more than a few eyebrows raised when Chelsea acquired the pair of Caicedo and Fernandez for a combined total of over £200m (over two windows). How silly they look now.
This is probably the one area of the pitch- injured Cole Plamer notwithstanding- where Chelsea are undeniably world-class. The duo is like Frankenstein’s monster- only this time Victor decided to use only Chelsea legends . Caicedo is the prototypical destroyer, stepping into the imposing shoes of Claude Makelele and N’Golo Kante. Fernandez is the ultimate box-to-box player, knitting things together while never shirking his defensive capabilities (ala Frank Lampard). Chelsea should be knocking on the door of a trophy if these two remain fit.
Reaping the fruits of rotation
This is a bit of a catch-22 scenario. Chelsea made 85 changes in their first 16 matches across all competitions this season, 16 more than 2nd placed Liverpool. I have shared my doubts about this approach in the past, concerned that Maresca is missing out on the opportunity to foster cohesion. As the season increases in intensity, his rotational approach is starting to reap massive benefits. Just look at their depth on the attacking flanks. When Palmer returns from injury, he will be battling the likes of Estavio and Neto for a place on that right-hand wing. Likewise, Garnacho knows that Jamie Gittens is desperate to prove himself. Maresca mixes and matches from game to game, maintaining energy reserves while ensuring that all his men have some minutes under their belt. The way he rotates his squad reminds me of how Rassie Erasmus revolutionized international rugby (the Springboks always seem that little bit fresher than their opposition).
Maresca Magic
One key ingredient is the man behind everything: Enzo Maresca. The Italian tactician is a true tinkerer, always looking to improve what’s under the hood. He has rebuilt Chelsea from the ground up, creating a side that covets possession and looks to build from the back. There is quite a bit of Guardiola about his style (unsurprising seeing that he was an assistant at the Etihad). The team lines up in a seemingly conventional 4-2-3-1 in possession (or 4-3-3). But they are dynamic in possession, inverting one of their fullbacks to flood the midfield areas. This essentially creates a 3-2-5 formation (the inverted fullback joins the CDM in a double pivot). Maresca has also put an onus on pressing, with the Blues hunting in packs high up the pitch. This high-octane style is probably another reason that he favours intense rotation.
Winning begets winning
The Italian has also managed to foster a winning mentality in the brief time he has been at the club. He guided Chelsea to last year’s UEFA Conference League, making Chelsea the only side to have won all three of the active European tournaments. Regardless of what you think of the unglamourous Conference League, the victory added to Chelsea’s European mystique. Their FIFA Club World Cup thrashing of PSG was yet another feather in his cap. Picking up those early titles has taken away the festering pressure that can accumulate in the early stages of a managerial tenure.
Chelsea well poised for London derby
This weekend’s top-of-the-table clash could be one of the ages. Chelsea are in with a shout of taking down the Gunners and doing themselves- and the rest of the would-be title contenders- a massive favour.
