By Chidozie Ehirim
Editor
Chelsea fans and players alike could well be forgiven for
looking back on their 2016/2017 season with pride after a very successful
campaign so far.
The Premier League Table tells it's own story with the Blues seven points ahead of London rivals Tottenham
Hotspur in the title race and are odds on favourites to win the Premier League.
In comparison to last year’s campaign, Chelsea have returned
to the form that won them the league in the 2014/15 season. There are a number
of reasons behind their success but we have picked out three of them.
Antonio Conte’s passion
The ebullient Italian coach joined Chelsea after a
successful spell with the Italian national team. Much was made of his fresh
ideas, defensive style and high coaching IQ. However, one of the other reasons behind
Chelsea’s success has been the passion he has brought with him. Conte has made
a similar impact on Chelsea as Jurgen Klopp has had on Liverpool. Both teams
have seen improvements, one of the main reasons being that both coaches have
within them, great enthusiasm and a love for the game that has rubbed off on
the players.
This has resulted in confidence being instilled within the players
, motivating them even more to perform for the manager.
Antonio Conte’s tactics
Both home and away, Chelsea have proven very hard to beat
and one of the key reasons behind this has been Conte’s use of a highly
effective, well coached 3-4-3 formation.
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| Tactical mastermind |
Conte came to Chelsea and started the season playing the
tried and tested 4-2-3-1 formation, one that the players were used to under
previous coach Jose Mourinho. However, after a devastating away defeat at
Arsenal at the start of the season, Conte changed tactics and reverted The
Blues to a dynamic 3-4-3 formation, one that he had used to great effect with
the Italian national team.
Since the change in formation, Chelsea have been highly
effective in all areas. Their attack has remained consistent and they have been
able to score at will. The midfield has also remained solid and has not only
been able to protect the back three but has also had a hand in supplying the
attacking players.
Chelsea’s defence has also been a revelation. In comparison
to their woeful form in the disastrous 2015/16 season they have remained
disciplined and highly effective at the back. Their shape without the ball has
also been noticeable with the wing-backs getting behind the ball and forming a
seemingly impenetrable back five.
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| Midfield sensation |
The diminutive but tough midfield enforcer has been
revelation yet again and looks set to add another Premier League title and as reported by The Mail Online, is also tipped to win a PFA Player of the year award.
Of all the players that Chelsea have acquired, Kante is by
far the most important. His performances in midfield have not gone without
notice and frighteningly enough, at only 25, he may still improve.
The Frenchman is a dogged competitor, highly disciplined and
a clean tackler. He protects the defence and has even had a hand in creating
opportunities for the attacking players in front of him. If Chelsea go on to
win the title, he will certainly be a player that will be highlighted as a significant
part of that success and for good reason.
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