EPL 2017/18: Chelsea 2-3 Burnley, 5 Talking Points

#5 What's next for the defending champions?

Before the commencement of this season, majority of the pundits opined against Chelsea defending the title they romped home with last season. The Blues swept aside all challenges en route to the title in Antonio Conte's first season, but as things stand, it looks like their inability to sign their prime targets in the transfer window so far will lead to their downfall this term.

Conte's first choice centre-back signing was Leonardo Bonucci, who went to Milan and Chelsea instead signed Rudiger. They even preferred Lukau over Morata but lost the former to Manchester United.

Not just that, the Italian wasn't even happy with Matic's departure, who might have been shielded their fragile defence after Cahill's sending off. With shortcomings of such magnitude in the former half of transfer window, the defending champions need to finish on a high in the market come 31st August.

One of their first priorities should now be to sign a top-class centre-back, preferably Virgil van Dijk, who Liverpool are desperately trying to add to their ranks. While the addition of just a centre-back might not transform this team into a finished product, it definitely will improve a back-line, which looked in all sorts of trouble against Burnley.

They will also hope that Eden Hazard and Tiémoué Bakayoko make their respective returns from injury as soon as possible.

Only two defending Premier League champions have lost their opening match:Leicester (2016/17)Chelsea (2017/18)No one saw that coming. pic.twitter.com/fOurNvsmcr

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 12, 2017

0-3 - Chelsea are three goals behind at half-time in a Premier League match at Stamford Bridge for the first time ever. Rout.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) August 12, 2017