The Blues suffered their first defeat of the season on Saturday…
Chelsea lost 2-1 away to Newcastle United on Saturday in what was their first defeat for 23 matches. This loss coupled with Manchester City’s win means that they are now only three points clear at the top of the Premier League.
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It has also had the effect of putting in to doubt what was their seemingly unstoppable march to the title. This new feeling is not without its merits, and here is why…
Over reliance on Diego Costa
The side’s over reliance on the forward has been revealed in recent weeks, with injury and a dip in form meaning that the Blues have struggled for goals compared to the start of the season.
Didier Drogba and Loic Remy are both good enough to make an impression from the bench, but when asked to start games have not had the same impact as the 26-year-old.
Tired first team favourites
Chelsea have six players who have started every game so far this campaign, and this could come back to hurt them if it continues.
Oscar, Cesc Fabregas, Eden Hazard, John Terry, Gary Cahill, and Thibaut Courtois have all played in every game, whilst Nemanja Matic and Branislav Ivanovic would have also if they hadn’t been suspended for matches.
This can not continue as fatigue will eventually affect their form.
Surprisingly poor squad depth in areas
Fair enough, in defence and in goal they have great depth in their squad, with world class players ready to come in when needed. However, in midfield and the attack their depth isn’t as great as some would think.
If say, Fabregas was to get injured then there would be no one with his creativity that could fit in to the team. They would have to play in a different style to get by. The same can be said for Hazard and Costa.
Andre Schurrle, Didier Drogba, and Loic Remy are all good players, but they are not anywhere near as good as who they would replace. Any long term injuries to these areas could seriously affect their title bid.
Jose Mourinho’s negativity
The Portuguese is an amazing manager. However, he does have a tendency to become negative in the big matches.
Draws against Manchesters United and City are testament to this, with both teams there to be beaten by several goals during the matches, but nicking equalisers after the Blues attempted to shut up shop.
These dropped points from games against the surrounding pack could well come home to roost in May.
The Champions League
Having already qualified first in their group, the Stamford Bridge outfit are all set to go deep in to Europe’s premier competition. As good as this sounds, it may cause problems for them domestically.
The extra games could drain them both physically and emotionally. Having massive fixtures every three to four days has to affect even the staunchest of players.
So their European success could open the door to Man City at home, who don’t forget will have a very tough draw in the Champions League if they even manage to get through to the knockout rounds.