Can Chelsea win the Premier League?

Samuel Eto’o with Jose Mourinho

The mood of positivism and delight has never been brighter than it was in the summer at Stamford Bridge, when the self – proclaimed “Special One ” returned to the club where he built his reputation as one the best football manager’s in the world. Since then a lot has changed though, many expected the mere presence of Mourinho in the Blues dugout gave Chelsea the upper hand in the title race even before it began , but it hasn’t been smooth sailing for the Blues. The loss at Newcastle highlighted that this team has far to go to match the stature of the previous team under Mourinho who dominated the Premier League and were an efficient mean machine designed to win games. Although it can be said that its taken time for Mourinho to make the team play the way he wants, there is no denying the fact that the depth in talent in the squad make them title contenders.

Manchester city and Chelsea were the favorites among book makers to win the Premier League this season. City have had a faltering start to the season especially away from home where they been exposed by some goalkeeping howler’s by Joe Hart. The Blues on the other hand have been pragmatic at home keeping Mourinho undefeated streak at the Bridge intact, but away from home defeats at Everton and Newcastle have pegged them back on and they stand 2nd in the table hot on the heels of their North London rivals Arsenal. The wealth out attacking talent with Chelsea is envious but the striking feature in both these games has been the inability to score even a single goal. However what Chelsea do have going for them is that the revival of Torres seems to be permanent this time around and if Torres can continue his new found form the Blues can be a very hard team to beat.

The other advantage which Chelsea enjoys over the rest of teams is the Premier League is in terms of talent on the bench. Juan Mata who would be a part of starting 11 in any of the top European side has found playing time hard to get under Mourinho due to his inability to track back. The mere fact that Mata is on the bench goes to show the midfield magician Chelsea have at their disposal with the likes of Hazard, Oscar, Willian and Schurrle competing for the spots right behind the striker. Apart from the attacking talents Chelsea have the right balance in terms of youth and experience which is crucial in order to win the League. The likes of Lampard, Terry and Cole have seen it all and provide the much needed experience which is required in crucial and important games of the season which is an added bonus to Chelsea.

Lastly the biggest trump card that the Blues enjoy over the rest is Jose Mourinho. The controversial manager knows it all when it comes to winning trophies and getting the best out of the players. With Sir Alex retiring Mourinho can stake his claim to dominate the League and with the squad at his disposal he has the ammunition to destroy opposition in the same manner in which he did in his earlier rein. However whether Chelsea will come out triumphs in the league will be known only in the month of May but there is no denying that the Blues will be up there competing for the title till the very end