5 reasons behind Chelsea's crumbling start to their title defense

Having narrowly missed out on the title in the 2013/14 season, Chelsea finally looked to reclaim the Premier League title- something that has eluded them since the 2009-10 season. Smart buys in the summer window (in the form of the prolific Diego Costa, and the technically gifted Cesc Fàbregas) to plug the gaps in the squad, ensured that José’s ‘little horses’ had now fully evolved to challenge on all fronts.As the season unfolded, the first half displayed the technical brilliance and creativity of the blue boys from west London as they went about ripping teams apart. In the second half, their displays were more resolute and disciplined and they grinded out the results (engendering discontent among some) which culminated in breaking the record for most days at the top of the table (274 days) and wrapping up the title with 3 games to spare (and a League Cup victory over rivals Totenham Hotspur just to make things better! )Jose Mourinho gave himself only five minutes to celebrate and said he was already focused on the next season. Such determination, which would definitely lead one to be optimistic about the future. Right? Not really.Fast forward to present day- 4 points in the opening 4 league games, conceding second most goals in the entire league, preceeded by a loss at the hands of rivals Arsenal in the Community shield match (and completely ignoring the ‘fake’ pre season results where Chelsea failed to win a single game in normal time) and second from bottom in the list of ‘Worst start to a season by the defending champions’ ahead only of .. any guesses? Blackburn Rovers.Not a record many Chelsea fans would be proud of having. From a perfectly well orchestrated squad, and a jubilant manager, to a disorganized set of players lacking motivation- where did it all go wrong?Here we analyze a few areas of concern that definitely has left Jose scratching his head in disbelief, and what can possibly be done to get into top gear and achieve a string of good results which the blues so desperately need in the coming weeks.

#5 A (relatively) quiet transfer window

Pedro was Chelseas biggest signing this summer

This summer saw limited transfer activity which was understandable, given that Jose wanted to maintain the balance with a set of players full of confidence, good understanding and experience in winning silverware. Like for like changes came in as long-serving veteran Petr Cech switched employers and joined city rivals Arsenal.

Didier Drogba moved on to the MLS after a satisfying return to his former club for a single season which saw Radamel Falcao arrive on loan from Monaco. Cuadrado(who was arguably not given enough time to prove himself) left on loan to cap an unsuccessful stint in England, which was succeeded with Chelsea hijacking a deal for Pedro and signing him from under the nose of rivals Manchester United.

Filipe Lus returned to Atletico Madrid, having failed to displace Azpilicueta (who cemented his spot in the squad with a series of impressive performances last season). The consequence? Baba Rahman was signed from German side FC Augsburg to provide cover at the full-back position. The only disappointment for Chelsea in this transfer window was John Stones. A series of failed bids, coupled with a stubborn Everton boardensured that the Blues failed to capture their number one defensive target.

Chelsea tried hard to strengthen their ageing back line by (reportedly) trying to sign world class defenders like Marquinhos and Laporte, but were unsuccessful. Deadline day saw Chelsea rope in two defenders potentially unheard of - Papy Djilobodji who was brought in from FC Nantes and Michael Hector who was bought from and loaned back to Reading FC for the remainder of the season.

Also, Juventus turned down big money as they looked to retain their star man Paul Pogba.

All Chelsea fans hoping for a Pogba transfer next season, look away right now.If Pogba continues his performance of last season, I think next year, 100 million will not suffice, Juventusdirector general Giuseppe Marotta which would indirectly be a suggestion for Chelsea to look towards other alternatives.

Manchester City have splurged the cash yet again and have been this summer windows winners by far, havingsigned former Chelsea man Kevin De Bruyne, along with smart buys in the form of Nicolas Otamendi and Raheem Sterling. They have 4 wins in 4 games and are yet to concede a goal all this, with Otamendi and De Bruyne yet to start. Perfectcan be a word just about apt to describe the Manchester City squad right now.

Youngsters finally have something to cheer about: With Chelsea unable to sign two young (future?)stars, Jose could well be turning his head towards the youngsters for impact-sub performances or replacing tired legs. With Chelsea competing in Europe, as well as for three competitions domestically, the likes of Kenedy, Loftus-Cheek, Traore and many others could well go on to prove their worth and establish themselves as indispensable members of the squad for the years to come.

#4 A midfield devoid of ideas

The midfield has looked out of sorts and ideas.

While we look to find alternate reasons for Chelsea’s faltering start, another very obvious fact has to be Cesc Fabregas’ start to the campaign. While the playmaker set the league on fire last season racking up 18 assists in his debut campaign (albeit fading off in the second half, which has been observed repeatedly in the previous seasons), this season in stark contrast, has seen a quite start for the Spaniard, as he has failed to provide a single assist or goal yet.

Too many misplaced passes and losing possession in key areas are sadly the highlights of an otherwise technically brilliant player. Nemanja Matic has failed to impress too, having bossed the midfield last season.

Going by stats, Fabregas had already made 6 superb assists in his first 4 games last season, compared to nil this time. An average chance creation rate of 3.0 chances per game last season is way ahead of the 5 chances he has created in 4 games this season (just a little more than 1 chance per game)

Also, Eden Hazard, who nutmegged and ran past defenses for fun last season (and won the PFA Player of the Year award in the process) has been a shadow of his former self. Although it's just 4 games into the season, the Belgian wonder-kid who handedly elevated Chelsea last term has certainly shown flashes of brilliance, but more often than not, has looked devoid of ideas. Are the superlative comments affecting him negatively, or has he been burdened by the additional pressure?

Scope for improvement: This one looks like a case of when, rather than if. It’s not going to be long before Eden Hazard is seen terrorizing defences once again. It’s just a case of boosting the confidence and motivation and who can be deemed better for the job than the special one himself.

To provide a better defensive midfield cover, Jose might experiment with pairing the highly-rated Rueben Loftus-Cheek along with Matic, and shifting Fabregas behind the striker. Pedro and Hazard on the wings along with Fabregas/Oscar behind a goal-hungry Diego Costa is not a sight many opposition teams would like to watch.

#3 The shaky defence

The back line has been vulnerable in the new season with 9 goals already conceded in their first 4 matches

While the Chelsea back-line had garnered attention and praise from the top pundits last season for their tight defense and least amount of goals conceded, that very segment has been conceived as the loose string of the squad this season. From conceding just 32 goals in 38 games last season, the defense has leaked 9 goals in 4 matches already.

A point to be noticed is how the opposition has identified Chelsea’s right defensive flank to be an area of weakness and the left attacker v/s Ivanovic battle has seldom been a no-contest this season. The gaffer may have other plans as he continues to entrust the out-of-form Ivanovic with a place in the starting eleven.

John Terry – The spine of the defense and the only player who remains of Mourinho’s core from his first spell seems to have lost a yard or two off his pace. The Chelsea veteran played every minute of last season’s league campaign. This year, however, he has already been substituted at half time in one match and missed another match through suspension. Is age getting the better of him? Only time will tell.

Injection of pace: With a lack of pace being exploited by oppositions and possibly pairing Zouma with either of Cahill or Terry on a permanent basis may prove to be a smart move. Ivanovic definitely isn't putting up performances which justify his position in the starting eleven which may result in Azpilicueta being shifted to his traditional left-back position and new signing Baba Rahman may finally get a chance to impress.

#2 Divergent tactics with the media

Mourinho was critical of his medical team during Chelsea’s game against Swansea

“I was sure he hadn't a serious problem. He had a knock, he was very tired. But my medical department - on an impulse - was naive and left me with eight outfield players in a counter attack after a set piece,” Jose Mourinho criticising his medical team after they rushed on to the pitch for the treatment of Eden Hazard in the dying moments of their first game.

"If the 1-0 was a doubtful result at minute 70, 3-0 is completely fake," Mourinho describing the 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City.

Now, arguably, some Chelsea fans have been calling these comments as divergent tactics by the boss. Well, to think about it, it seems like a stroke of genius. On close observation, with Chelsea having had such a poor start to the season, the media is placing more impetus on the Portuguese tactician’s comments rather than his side’s lackluster performances.

An opening game draw at their fortress, where Chelsea’s shot-stopper was sent off was actually in the news for Mourinho calling his medical team naive, and banning team physio Eva Carneiro from matches. Pretty good, eh?

Actions speak louder than words: All said and done, if this really is a well-conceived plan, where are the results? Focus has thoroughly been shifted away from the players and their performances freeing them from any sort of media pressure. Then why haven’t they upped their game and got the results?

Mourinho should actually be ready to accept the criticism which is being thrown at his side, something he has started doing slowly; and look for a way to get the results, rather than involving himself into more media embroilment.

#1 Talking numbers

Will history repeat itself again?

With critics suggesting a third season syndrome for the Special one, stats are definitely not on his side. Mourinho has completed only two full campaigns at Porto and Inter Milan, but during his first spell with Chelsea, and during his time in Spain with Real Madrid – his third season has been quite problematic which has ended in him moving on seeking new pastures. Hopefully it’s not the same this time around.

For all you tensed Chelsea fans, here’s a positive quote from the Portuguese tactician– “And seasons where I start with a 2-2 at home, I win the Treble. Porto, Inter v Bari, 2-2 against Swansea. So maybe this season... the treble?”

Now how’s that for being positive?

Conclusion: Chelsea’s start has left them 8 points adrift off the top of the table after 4 games, a place where they stayed for the entirety of last season. But championships are definitely not won or lost in August.

Whether they can pick themselves up from this position and give the table toppers a run for their money remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure, Jose’s men aren’t going to give up the title without a fight.