In recent years, we have seen a strange pattern associated with Chelsea. Since the 2014-15 season, the Blues have won the title on alternate occasions. But in the year immediately after the successful one, their team has looked like a shadow of itself, with their form dropping off to a shocking level.
This year too they have begun strongly under the new leadership of Maurizio Sarri, with the Italian having the best start that a manager has ever managed at the club. They are the only team unbeaten in all the competitions in Europe, and look completely different to what they did last year.
Chelsea are second in the league, only behind the unstoppable Manchester City side. They have managed to keep pace with the leaders so far.
However, there are a few reasons which could hinder their chances of winning the league this season; a top 4 finish would still be a good finish for the London club. Here are those reasons:
1. Lack of squad depth
One of the reasons why Chelsea have enjoyed a strong start to the season is that they have almost all of their important players fit and ready to play. Their main players like Hazard, Jorginho and Willian have all started the season in top form.
But come December, when the hectic schedule of the Premier League comes into play, Chelsea might struggle with some injury problems. Playing on Thursday nights in the Europa League and then the Premier League on the weekends might too much for them.
Chelsea lack squad depth unlike their closest challengers Manchester City and Liverpool, and it looks very unlikely that Chelsea would finish above them.
2. Lack of transfer activity
It happened last year, and it is happening now. Chelsea have had a poor transfer window the last couple of seasons, and that might hinder their chances of lifting the Premier League title for the third time in five years.
Last year their manager Antonio Conte was clearly upset about the transfer activities of the club, and had expressed his opinion on that quite a few times. The result was that Chelsea had a poor season as they finished fifth, which resulted in the immediate sacking of Conte.
Of course, we can say that this season Sarri has made quite a few good signings and has handled the transfer market well. But to compete with the likes of City and Liverpool, that may not be enough as the two teams clearly have a better squad.
Chelsea would need to spend some cash in January if they wish to compete for the title.
3. City are just too good
In any other season, with the form that Chelsea are in, they might easily sit on the top. But the way that Pep Guardiola's men are playing, it would still be a good season for Sarri and Co. if they manage to finish second.
According to some, the current Premier Legue champions are even playing better than last year, a year in which they managed to secure 100 points! What's more crazy is that they are still waiting for the arrival of their star player that is Kevin De Bruyne. Truth be told, they are not even missing him right now.
Unlike Chelsea, City have huge squad depth, and this will help them go through the difficult periods of the season like December and January very easily. And by that time, the title race might well be done and dusted.