How Chelsea Became Premier League Champions
For many months now Chelsea have looked destined to be crowned Premier League Champions, and they finally achieved their goal with 2 games to spare following a hard fought 1-0 victory at West Brom.
It has been a remarkable season for Antonio Conte in his first season in West London, and it could get even better should he lead his team to success in the FA Cup Final against Arsenal later on this month.
So how did they do it? This article will examine the factors which contributed to Chelsea's triumph in the 2016/2017 Premier League season.
Master Tactician
A lot of credit has to be given to Antonio Conte, who identified the issues that hindered Chelsea earlier on this season and made the changes necessary to get the best out of his side.
Quite simply, reverting to 3-5-2 was a masterstroke. 6 games into the season and Chelsea weer struggling. A 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at home was disappointing, but a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal really set the alarm bells ringing.
Something had to be done, and Conte boldly changed tactics to a counter-attacking 3-5-2. The players seemed to fit the season perfectly, with players such as Cesar Azpilicueta and David Luiz thriving at the heart of defence, and Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses also looking at home at wing back.
It proved to be the best decision of the season and one that kick-started the Blues triumphant campaign.
Failure of Rivals
Chelsea have been exceptional this season, but the failure of their rivals also contributed greatly. One by one, their rivals have suffered hiccups that took them out the title race.
After an electric start, Manchester City fell away and have not looked like title contenders for months. They are now battling to secure a top 4 finish.
Despite spending big in the summer, Manchester United have had 14 draws to date and struggled in front of goal. Arsenal suffered their usual collapse and now occupy a lowly 4th. Liverpool were Chelsea's nearest challengers going into the new year, but they have failed to dispose of teams in the bottom half.
Tottenham built momentum in the latter part of the season, but their run came too late as a loss away to West Ham ended their hopes.
A number of their challengers spent big in the summer, but they have not been able to replicate the remarkable consistency shown by Chelsea across the whole season.
The Genius of Kante
The purchase of N'Golo Kante from Leicester in the summer has turned out to be the signing of the season.
The Frenchman may only be 5 foot 6, but despite his size he has been a giant in midfield for Chelsea. He is second in the league for tackles with 114. He is also tied 7th for interceptions with 79. He is not just a defensive minded player; he has also played a pivotal role initiating counter-attacks and contribution in the final third.
Such a remarkable season has not gone unrewarded. He has won the Premier League Player of the Season, as well as the Football Writer's Player of the Season. He has been truly sensational this season and deserves winning the title for the second consecutive year.
Hazard's Revival
The Belgian had a very poor season last season and as a result Chelsea struggled. Hazard only recorded 4 goals and 3 assists in 31 appearances; an extremely underwhelming tally for someone of his calibre.
But a change in manager and system has reignited the Belgian, who has thrived under the guidance of Conte. He has been back to his scintillating best, having notched 15 goals in 33 Premier League appearances, as well as racking up 5 assists.
He was nominated for the Player of the Season award but lost out to club-mate, N'golo Kante. Nevertheless, Chelsea have often turned to Hazard as their main creative spark, and his return to form has been vital for his club's success this season.
Unsung Heroes
Even those that have previously been criticised had superb seasons. Cesar Azplilicueta may only be 5 foot 10 and is naturally a full back, but he has been a rock for Chelsea in the centre of defence.
David Luiz silenced his critics with a tremendous season at the back. Marcos Alonso did not impress at Sunderland or Bolton earlier on his career, but he has been fantastic at wing back. Victor Moses has had a very underwhelming career to date as a winger, but he seems to have stumbled upon his best role at right wing back.
Although I have picked out just four, it has been a team effort for Chelsea this season. To make a good team everyone has to pull their weight, and when called upon each and every Chelsea player has managed to do that this season.
No Europe
Barring Liverpool, unlike their rivals Chelsea have not had to mount a challenge on a continental front this season. This means that Conte has not been forced to rotate his team as much as his rivals; meaning he can fully concentrate on his title aspirations.
This means Chelsea's players have not played as much as other teams players this season, and they have thrived as a result.
Incredible Squad Depth
Even though Chelsea have not suffered long term injuries to any of their key players this season, their depth has been a huge factor in there success.
Barring N'Golo Kante, it seems every single player in their starting lineup is replaceable.
It is incredible how players with huge quality, such as Cesc Fabregas, cannot make the starting lineup. The Spaniard has had to make do with only 11 Premier League starts, but he has been dependable whenever called upon this season.
Michy Batushayi, Kurt Zouma and John Terry are others that would get into most Premier League teams, but can barely get a game. Even their brightest spark in attack, Eden Hazard, can easily be replaced; by Chelsea's 2015/2016 Player of the Season, Willian.
Whereas other teams have faltered when their best players have been absent, Chelsea have been able to cope when their key players were absent because of the incredible depth of their squad.
Like the article? Be sure to follow me on Blogger and Social Media for future posts! Thank you for reading!
Twitter: @JamesStroud1995 @FootballAddick
It has been a remarkable season for Antonio Conte in his first season in West London, and it could get even better should he lead his team to success in the FA Cup Final against Arsenal later on this month.
So how did they do it? This article will examine the factors which contributed to Chelsea's triumph in the 2016/2017 Premier League season.
 |
| Chelsea celebrate after securing the Premier League title last night |
Master Tactician
A lot of credit has to be given to Antonio Conte, who identified the issues that hindered Chelsea earlier on this season and made the changes necessary to get the best out of his side.
Quite simply, reverting to 3-5-2 was a masterstroke. 6 games into the season and Chelsea weer struggling. A 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at home was disappointing, but a 3-0 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal really set the alarm bells ringing.
Something had to be done, and Conte boldly changed tactics to a counter-attacking 3-5-2. The players seemed to fit the season perfectly, with players such as Cesar Azpilicueta and David Luiz thriving at the heart of defence, and Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses also looking at home at wing back.
It proved to be the best decision of the season and one that kick-started the Blues triumphant campaign.
Failure of Rivals
Chelsea have been exceptional this season, but the failure of their rivals also contributed greatly. One by one, their rivals have suffered hiccups that took them out the title race.
After an electric start, Manchester City fell away and have not looked like title contenders for months. They are now battling to secure a top 4 finish.
Despite spending big in the summer, Manchester United have had 14 draws to date and struggled in front of goal. Arsenal suffered their usual collapse and now occupy a lowly 4th. Liverpool were Chelsea's nearest challengers going into the new year, but they have failed to dispose of teams in the bottom half.
Tottenham built momentum in the latter part of the season, but their run came too late as a loss away to West Ham ended their hopes.
A number of their challengers spent big in the summer, but they have not been able to replicate the remarkable consistency shown by Chelsea across the whole season.
 |
| The failures of Chelsea's rivals undoubtedly aided their title charge |
The Genius of Kante
The purchase of N'Golo Kante from Leicester in the summer has turned out to be the signing of the season.
The Frenchman may only be 5 foot 6, but despite his size he has been a giant in midfield for Chelsea. He is second in the league for tackles with 114. He is also tied 7th for interceptions with 79. He is not just a defensive minded player; he has also played a pivotal role initiating counter-attacks and contribution in the final third.
Such a remarkable season has not gone unrewarded. He has won the Premier League Player of the Season, as well as the Football Writer's Player of the Season. He has been truly sensational this season and deserves winning the title for the second consecutive year.
Hazard's Revival
The Belgian had a very poor season last season and as a result Chelsea struggled. Hazard only recorded 4 goals and 3 assists in 31 appearances; an extremely underwhelming tally for someone of his calibre.
But a change in manager and system has reignited the Belgian, who has thrived under the guidance of Conte. He has been back to his scintillating best, having notched 15 goals in 33 Premier League appearances, as well as racking up 5 assists.
He was nominated for the Player of the Season award but lost out to club-mate, N'golo Kante. Nevertheless, Chelsea have often turned to Hazard as their main creative spark, and his return to form has been vital for his club's success this season.
 |
| Eden Hazard and N'Golo Kante were Chelsea's two stand-out performers this season |
Unsung Heroes
Even those that have previously been criticised had superb seasons. Cesar Azplilicueta may only be 5 foot 10 and is naturally a full back, but he has been a rock for Chelsea in the centre of defence.
David Luiz silenced his critics with a tremendous season at the back. Marcos Alonso did not impress at Sunderland or Bolton earlier on his career, but he has been fantastic at wing back. Victor Moses has had a very underwhelming career to date as a winger, but he seems to have stumbled upon his best role at right wing back.
Although I have picked out just four, it has been a team effort for Chelsea this season. To make a good team everyone has to pull their weight, and when called upon each and every Chelsea player has managed to do that this season.
No Europe
Barring Liverpool, unlike their rivals Chelsea have not had to mount a challenge on a continental front this season. This means that Conte has not been forced to rotate his team as much as his rivals; meaning he can fully concentrate on his title aspirations.
This means Chelsea's players have not played as much as other teams players this season, and they have thrived as a result.
 |
| Antonio Conte deserves much credit for guiding Chelsea to their 5th Premier League Title |
Incredible Squad Depth
Even though Chelsea have not suffered long term injuries to any of their key players this season, their depth has been a huge factor in there success.
Barring N'Golo Kante, it seems every single player in their starting lineup is replaceable.
It is incredible how players with huge quality, such as Cesc Fabregas, cannot make the starting lineup. The Spaniard has had to make do with only 11 Premier League starts, but he has been dependable whenever called upon this season.
Michy Batushayi, Kurt Zouma and John Terry are others that would get into most Premier League teams, but can barely get a game. Even their brightest spark in attack, Eden Hazard, can easily be replaced; by Chelsea's 2015/2016 Player of the Season, Willian.
Whereas other teams have faltered when their best players have been absent, Chelsea have been able to cope when their key players were absent because of the incredible depth of their squad.
Like the article? Be sure to follow me on Blogger and Social Media for future posts! Thank you for reading!
Twitter: @JamesStroud1995 @FootballAddick
Comments
Post a Comment