Premier League 2018-19: 3 Things we learned from gameweek 8

1. The title race is a three-horse race

Chelsea look primed to challenge City and Liverpool

The match between Liverpool and Manchester City was dubbed as a potential title decider. Though the match lived up to its billing and provided a spectacle, the game lacked goals. Both teams came up with a performance that reinforced the belief that the pair are the strongest in the land. However, a few thousand miles away, on the other side of the country, a West London outfit calmly dismantled Southampton to lay down their own marker.

Chelsea, like City and Liverpool have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season. They currently sit second on goal difference, with the trio being equal on points.

As has become the norm, Eden Hazard was again imperious and ran the show for Chelsea. He was ably supported by Giroud and Barkley. The latter was handed a start ahead of Kovacic and he repaid his manager’s faith with a goal.

Over the course of eight games, Chelsea have shown that they have quickly adapted to SarriBall. Though they still have a shaky defensive moment every now and then, their attacking threat is enough to keep the opposition on their toes.

Chelsea might not have started the season as a part of the title conversation. However, with their victories becoming a recurring theme, it would be foolish to rule them out as worthy title challengers.

While the majority still back Liverpool or City to go all the way, Chelsea have entered the title picture on the back of some sumptuous displays and don’t look like going away anytime soon.