Can Anyone Catch Chelsea?

Even though I'm not a Chelsea fan - quite the opposite in fact, it's great to see at least one of my many predictions looking possible. After a victory against Liverpool on Saturday and dropped points from both City and Arsenal, Jose Mourinho's men sail into an 8-point lead and I ask the question, can anyone catch them?

Last season, Chelsea had an incredible record against the top 4 last and only dropped 2 points against Arsenal, securing 5 wins in the process. Their Achilles' heel were the matches against lesser opposition, with no disrespect intended. Aston Villa, Stoke, Newcastle, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Everton all recorded wins at home to the West London side. Last year, Chelsea's attacking options were limited, particularly as Fernando Torres never really hit form, much like his Chelsea career in a nutshell. Although Demba Ba popped up with some pivotal goals, his contribution was often hindered by his lack of playing minutes. 

Moving on to this season, the additions of Cesc Fabregas and Diego Costa has seen a dramatic change in Chelsea's fortunes. Even on the opening weekend, the relationship between the former Barcelona player and the former Atleti player, appears psychic. Already this season, the adopted Spaniard has netted 10 times in only 9 appearances this time, a tally that will guide his side to an easy Premier League title if he keeps this form up. Similarly, Fabregas has no doubt aided his fellow countryman and emphasised his importance to the Chelsea set up with assists in 6 consecutive matches earlier in the season, something which has never been achieved before.

With Chelsea unbeaten and in red hot pursuit of their 5th English title and 4th in the Premier League era, let's take a look at their competition.

Despite a win over their city rivals, United a matter of weeks ago, a dishevelled European loss at the hands of CSKA Moscow has epitomised Manchester City's season to date. I’ve already said in previous article’s that I’m not Manuel Pellegrini’s biggest fan and it seems that he is coming under increasing pressure from the fans after another poor performance at the weekend. Ultimately, City’s downfall is that they aren't as cohesive as Mourinho’s well drilled  machine even though they have the same wealth of talent at their disposal.

Even as a devout Manchester United fan, I find it remarkably difficult to summon any displeasure upon fellow countryman, Brendan Rodgers. I've the greatest of respect for the Liverpool boss, but his actions during the transfer market leave much to be desired. With a minority of the Liverpool faithful demanding for the Northern Irishman to be sacked, his fortunes will need to change. The Reds have not been firing on all cylinders this year and I don't see them posing a major threat to the Blues. Their lack of a challenge can be put down to a poor defence as well as signings not gelling, similar to Spurs last year.

Moving on to Arsenal, while I don’t think they are playing at their optimum level, they do have more to offer. Wenger’s naivety in the transfer market will ensure that they will pose minimal threat to the league leaders. His failure to secure a defensive midfielder suitable for the midfield as well as cover for a defence that doesn;t have the depth of their rivals has disappointed Gooners and could be his unravelling at a dynasty he built. In fairness to Arsene, his capture of Alexis Sanchez is paying dividends and, in my humble opinion, Danny Welbeck is a protégé which could prove beneficial to himself and his new club, particularly after several nightmarish years at Manchester United.

Results still seem to be papering over the cracks for Louis Van Gaal's United. A questionable defence and already 13 points behind the table toppers will prove too much for the Dutchman to overturn. Even though the Manchester side have a lethal attacking threat, the summer signings of Marcos Rojo and Luke Shaw won't be able to plug the leaky defence. Progress has certainly been made and there is no doubt that the fans will be pleased with the signings and games given to the youth that he has made.

It would be cruel of me to omit a mention to the overachievers, West Ham, Swansea and Southampton. Realistically I don't think anyone is expecting these teams to keep their form up, especially with the strength and depth of the squads behind them. West Ham possess an underrated squad and all suggestions of sacking 'Big' Sam Allardyce will almost be non-existant due to the impact that the signings of Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Alex Song have made. Swansea were impressive in the opening stages of last season, but their form tailed off due to Europa League commitments. Southampton have shocked everyone after a mass exodus from their club during the summer, but Koeman has rallied his side together and a mix of shrewd investments and opportunities for the youth has vaporised any thought of relegation for the Southern England side.

I don't see anyone catching Mourinho's men and the only way the West London side will fail to win the title will be down to their own fault. With it looking progressively more likely that they are going to win it with several games to spare, I wonder if Jose will predict the date that he will in title on this time around?