EPL 2016/17: 5 reasons why Chelsea are favourites to win the Premier League

Modified Nov 28, 2016 18:13 GMT

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: N'Golo Kante of Chelsea celebrates scoring his sides fourth goal with team mates during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) — Chelsea look like genuine title contenders

#4 Eden Hazard & Diego Costa’s rebirth

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 23: Eden Hazard of Chelsea celebrates scoring his sides third goal with Diego Costa of Chelsea during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on October 23, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) — Hazard and Costa have been in sparkling form

In the 2015/16 season, both these players performed at a level far beneath their standards and they were in many ways emblematic of Chelsea as a whole. But they’re back to their best this season and it is glorious to watch.

Now liberated from the shackles imposed on him by Jose Mourinho, Eden Hazard looks like a different player than the one we saw last season. The Belgian is now playing more directly than even before and he has been rewarded with seven goals in thirteen appearances.

Hazard has also been aided by the fact that his partner in crime Diego Costa has been at his snarling best this season. The former Atletico Madrid hitman is now joined top scorer in the league, with ten goals in thirteen starts. Another interesting narrative this season has been the Spaniard’s development as a well-rounded striker, his off the ball movement and link-up play have improved tremendously. This has resulted in him notching 4 assists this season.

Edited by Staff Editor