Chelsea are quietly competing for the title with their depth of players and a 3-0 victory over Barcelona.
Second in the table, six points behind Arsenal, Chelsea kept three consecutive clean sheets, won five of their six Premier League matches, and beat Barcelona 3-0, thanks to their depth and tactical flexibility.
Three days after their 3-0 victory over Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, the question is: are we underestimating Chelsea? The Blues are now second, six points behind Arsenal, and will face them directly this Sunday – a test that could define their title race.
The numbers speak for themselves.
A contender's image doesn't come from statements but from a winning habit and risk management. Chelsea beat Burnley 2-0 on Saturday, marking their third consecutive clean sheet in the Premier League – a run demonstrating defensive consistency rarely seen during a busy fixture schedule.
- Position: Second, six points behind Arsenal before their meeting on Sunday.
- Domestic form: won 5 of their last 6 Premier League matches, kept 3 consecutive clean sheets.
- Europe: A 3-0 victory over Barcelona on Tuesday provides a much-needed boost of confidence.
Squad depth is a springboard.
The biggest difference for Chelsea this season is the depth of their squad. The investments in young talent over the past few years are paying off. The team has held firm against injuries and suspensions, even without Cole Palmer or with constant changes in midfield and defense. More importantly, the quality of their replacements hasn't caused a drop in performance – the very thing that gives a team the resilience to compete for the championship.
Tactical flexibility under Enzo Maresca
Enzo Maresca is building a team that knows how to change the tempo: controlling the ball and moving freely when needed to be proactive, but also sharp on the counter-attack and tenacious in defense when the game demands it. That flexibility helps Chelsea handle a variety of situations – from stifling the tempo against weaker opponents to punishing space when facing top teams.
The context of last winter serves as a reminder: Chelsea were close behind Liverpool in mid-December but faltered during the festive season. This season, the feeling is different. The resilience accumulated through weeks of intense competition, coupled with a stronger squad, is minimizing the risk of a break in the run.
The voice in the dressing room: caution is necessary.
Internally, composure is paramount. According to Moises Caicedo – Chelsea's standout player so far – it's still "too early" to talk about the title. His message is clear: prioritize stability, taking things one step at a time in the demanding environment of the Premier League. However, Caicedo also acknowledges that defeating big opponents provides a confidence boost for the entire team.
Not without flaws – but the ceiling of capability is very high.
The progress has been interspersed with a few setbacks, such as the draw against Qarabag and the defeats against Brighton and Sunderland. These results remind Chelsea of the fine line between control and complacency. However, their capabilities have been bolstered by the Club World Cup title last summer – a source of morale and skill demonstrated in various contexts.
The benchmark is Arsenal.
Sunday's match is a crucial test for Chelsea's ambitions. With Cole Palmer back and key players in better fitness, The Blues have more attacking options and better game organization. If they overcome Arsenal, the title race could shift significantly, opening up the possibility of overtaking their city rivals to reach the top of the table by early 2026.
At the moment, Chelsea have enough evidence to be considered a contender: a clean sheet streak in the domestic league, a record of 5 wins in 6 matches, and a 3-0 victory against Barcelona as proof. The rest depends on their ability to maintain the tempo and decipher the big games – starting with the next 90 minutes.
