Can we replicate our winning streak from last season? (Fans' thoughts)
Four wins, one draw and two losses. This was the exact same record with which we went into the second international break of the season last year. Nobody really gave us any chance of challenging for the league title, and a lot of the fans would have taken a top 4 finish.
The rest, as they say, is history. Antonio Conte wrung the changes, and switched to a three-man defence. We always he would do this eventually, but the sudden move at half-time in a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal was more out of desperation than anything else.
When we took to the pitch next, against Hull City, everything was different. We got both a win and a clean sheet, but no one could have fathomed the extent to which our fortunes had changed. For the rest of October, and the whole of both November and December, we didn't drop a single point. In a streak that spanned thirteen games, we went from being stark outsiders to heavy favourites for the title. Despite seeing the dream run coming to an end at White Hart Lane, we never looked like relinquishing our hold on top spot. In the end, it was a romp to the title.
Can we do it again?
Injury woes
This year, the record on paper looks very similar. However, things are very different.
A big advantage we held last year was out absence in the Champions League. This helped us focus all our attention on winning the Premier League, and we had all our best players fit for the majority of the season.
News of injuries to both Alvaro Morata and N'Golo Kante came as hammer-blows this week, and the duo will be out of action at least for the month of October. Our squad depth will be tested to the hilt, and Danny Drinkwater's return couldn't come soon enough.
It will also be interesting to see where the goals come from. Alvaro had settled in magnificently well, with 7 goals in all competitions. With him out, it remains to be seen if Conte goes with Michy Batshuayi up front or plays a false 9. The likes of Eden Hazard, Pedro, Willian and even Cesc Fabregas will all have to step it up and share the goals among them.
The element of surprise is now gone
Most teams in the league now play three at the back. When Conte did it last season, it caught everyone unawares and no one knew how to react. This first-mover advantage enabled us to beat the likes of Man United, Spurs and Man City during our run.
There is nothing really that Conte can now do that will create a similar impact. We don't have the resources available to make the 3-5-2 switch, and so there is a sense of predictability to our play right now. Teams know how we will set up, and what our strengths and weaknesses are. Thus, we have to rely on being better than them man-for-man to beat them. Last week against Man City, we got battered, and their technical superiority clearly showed.
The opponents are so much better
Both the Manchester clubs went out and strengthened massively in the summer. Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho were clearly hurting after being beaten in such dominating fashion by us last season. The two sides have already established a seven-point lead over us in the table and even though it is really early on, it's going to be a mammoth task trying to overhaul them.
In conclusion, it would be safe to say that we certainly need another similar run to have any chance of successfully defending our title. But with key players out injured, and the Champions League to focus on as well, it looks very difficult. However, Chelsea Football Club are known for bringing out all guns when our backs are turned towards the wall. It's time to do it again.
Fans' thoughts
Here's what some of our Ahmedabad Blues had to say on our chances of pulling a rabbit out of the hat again and retaining the league. They also talked about out realistic expectations for the campaign.
One of our youngest fans, Het Shah, is full of youthful optimism.
"Yes, we can really take over from now. It's just that we need things to click for us as now we know our main man is out for weeks. It is important to give our players proper rest with proper rotation as in the past month the main issue was the fatigue, as illustrated in the loss to Man City. So, we can surely achieve what we did last season by believing in our staff and putting our faith in Conte."
With age comes experience, and trepidation and caution. One of our senior members, Shehwaz Riyaz, is not nearly as positive as Het.
"Although I would sincerely hope we can replicate the streak, it does not look likely. What happened last season was nothing short of extra ordinary. We were also lucky that there were no major injuries to our players. Plus no midweek games.
Most of the big teams have now figured out how Conte works and are taking measures to keep us under check. As much as I would have to admit it, I don't see the EPL trophy remaining in London. It will go to one of the Manchester clubs. Realistically I would target a top 4 finish for us in the league, with a quarter final show in the Champions League.
Unless by some miracle, there are a few major signings in January, the lack of a strong bench will be a major factor.
But in the end, never say never. Hope springs eternal."
Vivan Mehta -
"Thirteen wins or more on the trot is not too far fetched for Conte's Chelsea, but rather than setting such targets, Conte's preferred style is to take each game at a time. With the additional pressure of the Champions League, it's going to be a true test for the Blues, attempting to replicate last year's heroics. With that said, it is going to be no less of an effort from the Pensioners but when push comes to shove it can be said with full certainty that the gap on the 2 Manchester clubs will surely be reduced in the coming months.
All one can hope for is fewer injuries and consistent top-notch performances."
Poojan Panchal -
"In my opinion, I personally think that it's difficult to replicate the form of last season. Last season we played amazingly well and had luck with injuries. Looking at the form of Manchester clubs it's going to be tough to overhaul them. It's not impossible but yes it's going to be tough. Our realistic expectations will be top 3. Our squad depth in some areas and the number of competitions we're participating will play their part in injuries and fatigue."
Anurag Khare -
"Last season we outperformed our expectations. There were new managers at Chelsea, City and United. Pep and Mou took their time to settle in, but Conte's tactics probably surprised our opponents once we switched to 3 at the back.
This season, City have bulked up its squad with amazing talent and United also have a good squad with Mourinho 2nd season love story at his back.
It's tough to have long winning streak, but if it has happened once, it could always happen again. Also, this season, we have justified our performances except the Burnley loss. But compared to last season City and United look better and that's why I think PL title will be won and lost between these 3 clubs.
Arsenal and Liverpool are not title contenders. And Spurs shall keep putting the pressure and then slip up.
I would be happy to see us anywhere in top 3 and it would be a dominant feeling if we pull the back to back title."
Madhav Pandya -
"Never say never...in the seven games last month we played really well in majority of the games. It's very hard to repeat 13 games in row but we are on our way. The road is tough but we have to plan one game at a time as the PL is really tough this season.. but it's to early to predict ..The new players like Rudiger, Bakayoko and Morata have really settled in well, and now it's time for Drinkwater to step up."
Satyajit Patra -
"Quite frankly, it is tough - but certainly not impossible. There have been some changes in our team from the one we had last season and the two Manchester Clubs have also added some great players in their squad this season. We should take one game at a time. Last season our sole concentration was on the PL since we were not playing in the CL. This season we have more competitive matches to play. But knowing Conte and his style, I certainly think that he must have earmarked separate plans of how to go about tactically in the PL and CL. If our players stay injury-free, I am cent percent confident of our squad replicating last season's triumph."
Karan Maniar -
"So the heart says we can and will win league.But looking at current squad with injuries from the international break, Kante being out for a game or two, there are lots of high expectations from the youth team to come over Crystal Palace and Roma.
Looking forward for some magic from Don Conte and expecting a clean sheet in next two big fixtures."
Watch this space in the next few hours for the preview of the game against Crystal Palace, including screening details and predictions.
The rest, as they say, is history. Antonio Conte wrung the changes, and switched to a three-man defence. We always he would do this eventually, but the sudden move at half-time in a 3-0 defeat to Arsenal was more out of desperation than anything else.
When we took to the pitch next, against Hull City, everything was different. We got both a win and a clean sheet, but no one could have fathomed the extent to which our fortunes had changed. For the rest of October, and the whole of both November and December, we didn't drop a single point. In a streak that spanned thirteen games, we went from being stark outsiders to heavy favourites for the title. Despite seeing the dream run coming to an end at White Hart Lane, we never looked like relinquishing our hold on top spot. In the end, it was a romp to the title.
Can we do it again?
Injury woes
This year, the record on paper looks very similar. However, things are very different.
A big advantage we held last year was out absence in the Champions League. This helped us focus all our attention on winning the Premier League, and we had all our best players fit for the majority of the season.
News of injuries to both Alvaro Morata and N'Golo Kante came as hammer-blows this week, and the duo will be out of action at least for the month of October. Our squad depth will be tested to the hilt, and Danny Drinkwater's return couldn't come soon enough.
It will also be interesting to see where the goals come from. Alvaro had settled in magnificently well, with 7 goals in all competitions. With him out, it remains to be seen if Conte goes with Michy Batshuayi up front or plays a false 9. The likes of Eden Hazard, Pedro, Willian and even Cesc Fabregas will all have to step it up and share the goals among them.
The element of surprise is now gone
Most teams in the league now play three at the back. When Conte did it last season, it caught everyone unawares and no one knew how to react. This first-mover advantage enabled us to beat the likes of Man United, Spurs and Man City during our run.
There is nothing really that Conte can now do that will create a similar impact. We don't have the resources available to make the 3-5-2 switch, and so there is a sense of predictability to our play right now. Teams know how we will set up, and what our strengths and weaknesses are. Thus, we have to rely on being better than them man-for-man to beat them. Last week against Man City, we got battered, and their technical superiority clearly showed.
The opponents are so much better
Both the Manchester clubs went out and strengthened massively in the summer. Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho were clearly hurting after being beaten in such dominating fashion by us last season. The two sides have already established a seven-point lead over us in the table and even though it is really early on, it's going to be a mammoth task trying to overhaul them.
In conclusion, it would be safe to say that we certainly need another similar run to have any chance of successfully defending our title. But with key players out injured, and the Champions League to focus on as well, it looks very difficult. However, Chelsea Football Club are known for bringing out all guns when our backs are turned towards the wall. It's time to do it again.
Fans' thoughts
Here's what some of our Ahmedabad Blues had to say on our chances of pulling a rabbit out of the hat again and retaining the league. They also talked about out realistic expectations for the campaign.
One of our youngest fans, Het Shah, is full of youthful optimism.
"Yes, we can really take over from now. It's just that we need things to click for us as now we know our main man is out for weeks. It is important to give our players proper rest with proper rotation as in the past month the main issue was the fatigue, as illustrated in the loss to Man City. So, we can surely achieve what we did last season by believing in our staff and putting our faith in Conte."
With age comes experience, and trepidation and caution. One of our senior members, Shehwaz Riyaz, is not nearly as positive as Het.
"Although I would sincerely hope we can replicate the streak, it does not look likely. What happened last season was nothing short of extra ordinary. We were also lucky that there were no major injuries to our players. Plus no midweek games.
Most of the big teams have now figured out how Conte works and are taking measures to keep us under check. As much as I would have to admit it, I don't see the EPL trophy remaining in London. It will go to one of the Manchester clubs. Realistically I would target a top 4 finish for us in the league, with a quarter final show in the Champions League.
Unless by some miracle, there are a few major signings in January, the lack of a strong bench will be a major factor.
But in the end, never say never. Hope springs eternal."
Vivan Mehta -
"Thirteen wins or more on the trot is not too far fetched for Conte's Chelsea, but rather than setting such targets, Conte's preferred style is to take each game at a time. With the additional pressure of the Champions League, it's going to be a true test for the Blues, attempting to replicate last year's heroics. With that said, it is going to be no less of an effort from the Pensioners but when push comes to shove it can be said with full certainty that the gap on the 2 Manchester clubs will surely be reduced in the coming months.
All one can hope for is fewer injuries and consistent top-notch performances."
Poojan Panchal -
"In my opinion, I personally think that it's difficult to replicate the form of last season. Last season we played amazingly well and had luck with injuries. Looking at the form of Manchester clubs it's going to be tough to overhaul them. It's not impossible but yes it's going to be tough. Our realistic expectations will be top 3. Our squad depth in some areas and the number of competitions we're participating will play their part in injuries and fatigue."
Anurag Khare -
"Last season we outperformed our expectations. There were new managers at Chelsea, City and United. Pep and Mou took their time to settle in, but Conte's tactics probably surprised our opponents once we switched to 3 at the back.
This season, City have bulked up its squad with amazing talent and United also have a good squad with Mourinho 2nd season love story at his back.
It's tough to have long winning streak, but if it has happened once, it could always happen again. Also, this season, we have justified our performances except the Burnley loss. But compared to last season City and United look better and that's why I think PL title will be won and lost between these 3 clubs.
Arsenal and Liverpool are not title contenders. And Spurs shall keep putting the pressure and then slip up.
I would be happy to see us anywhere in top 3 and it would be a dominant feeling if we pull the back to back title."
Madhav Pandya -
"Never say never...in the seven games last month we played really well in majority of the games. It's very hard to repeat 13 games in row but we are on our way. The road is tough but we have to plan one game at a time as the PL is really tough this season.. but it's to early to predict ..The new players like Rudiger, Bakayoko and Morata have really settled in well, and now it's time for Drinkwater to step up."
Satyajit Patra -
"Quite frankly, it is tough - but certainly not impossible. There have been some changes in our team from the one we had last season and the two Manchester Clubs have also added some great players in their squad this season. We should take one game at a time. Last season our sole concentration was on the PL since we were not playing in the CL. This season we have more competitive matches to play. But knowing Conte and his style, I certainly think that he must have earmarked separate plans of how to go about tactically in the PL and CL. If our players stay injury-free, I am cent percent confident of our squad replicating last season's triumph."
Karan Maniar -
"So the heart says we can and will win league.But looking at current squad with injuries from the international break, Kante being out for a game or two, there are lots of high expectations from the youth team to come over Crystal Palace and Roma.
Looking forward for some magic from Don Conte and expecting a clean sheet in next two big fixtures."
Watch this space in the next few hours for the preview of the game against Crystal Palace, including screening details and predictions.
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