It is no longer news that Chelsea are strong favourites for the
Premier League title. Such is the change in their fortune in the space of one year, from a sinking club to title favourites.
Around this time last year Chelsea were 16th in the table, battling to avoid relegation as Mourinho was shown the exit door seven months after he led them to the league triumph.
Obviously, they have fulfilled all righteousness and it is no
gain saying that they are where they deserved to be. But it is
paramount to say that they didn’t just got there, a lot of efforts were
put in, the height of which was the switch to the 3-4-3 formation,
which has since paid off.
Their Premier League title hopes had looked bleak in September after 2 consecutive defeats and a draw leaving them in the 10th position in the league and eight points behind then leaders Man City.
And as expected of a manager, Antonio Conte came up with a plan which has not only transform the team but also brought out the best in his players.
Since their last defeat which was at Arsenal, the Blues are yet to
drop a point. Now on 11 matches unbeaten run and have only conceded two goals in two matches, Conte has beaten Jose Mourinho’s record 10 consecutive wins.
They would have equalled Man United’s 9 consecutive wins and clean sheets but conceded against Tottenham, their first in seven matches.
However, the Premier League record for the most consecutive wins was Arsenal’s run of 14 games in 2002. Conte is the first Chelsea’s manager to register 11 straight wins in a Premier League season. Guus Hiddink and Carlo Ancelotti combined to guide Chelsea to 11 consecutive wins in 2009. The Blues are now three matches away from equaling Arsenal’s record.