Chelsea FC: Why the Blues’ title defense has crumbled

Antonio Conte took over the reins of power at Stamford Bridge with Italian class and precision, as he inspired the Blues to their fifth Premier League title and sixth overall in his maiden season.

Unplayable for the most part of last season, the Blues are currently a shadow of their former selves, appearing gullible and all the more beatable.

The Chelsea gaffer has already conceded defeat of their Premier League crown just four months into their title defense; a telltale sign of their crestfallen season.

 

Damaging defeats

The Blues flagged off their 2017/18 Premier League campaign in the most comical of ways, with a 3-2 defeat to Burnley at the Bridge.

The false start left the defending champions playing catch up against top four sides which were looking to flex their credibility muscles after heavy spending in the summer.

Although Chelsea went on to register creditable wins over Tottenham and Manchester United- victories that threw them back into the title mix- their most recent defeat to embattled West Ham has been the most damaging of their title defense.

 

Tougher competitors

Sitting third in the Premier League table with only three points away from second place isn’t such a bad thing. Nonetheless, it is the quality of the teams above Chelsea that invalidates all hopes of defending the title.

Hard as it already is toppling Manchester United from second place, Chelsea don’t stand a chance against league leaders Manchester City who are on a ludicrous winning run of 16 games in the Premier League.

Given that Pep Guardiola’s side has a 14-point cushion over Chelsea, the defending champions have assuredly abdicated their Premier League crown.

 

Written by Brian Humphrey

Follow Brian on Twitter @brihum

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