Only eleven games into the new Premier League campaign and it already looks inevitable that John Terry will be lifting the Premier League trophy come may. Jose Mourinho's side are already four points ahead of the seasons surprise package Southampton and eight ahead of third placed champions Manchester City. On paper the blues have already played their two toughest fixtures of the season; United and City away. They have returned from both sides of Manchester unbeaten and also travelled to Merseyside twice taking maximum points from Everton and Liverpool while recording an impressive home victory over Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger admitted earlier this week that it will be almost impossible to catch Chelsea, but how have Chelsea pulled away from the pack so early?
Jose Mourinho portrayed an uneasy looking man last campaign, his appearance; unshaven and a rugged tracksuit showed Mourinho to not be his usual confident self. The Chelsea boss constantly said over the course of last season that his Chelsea side were not good enough to win the title; even after their well executed win at the Etihad. You could see as the season went on that Mourinho started to belive his side would be champions and when they fell short you could see the pain in his face. Frustrating defeats against the lesser sides such as Palace and Aston Villa cost Chelsea the title and has made them even more determined to bring the prestigious trophy back to the bridge this campaign.
A few months on from Sunderland's surprise victory at Chelsea which effectively ended their title hopes and Jose Mourinho portrays a more confident man; clean shaven and in undoubtedly expensive suits. Mourinho now has no excuses, he knows this season should be Chelsea's. Unlike Arsenal or Manchester United, Chelsea did their business in the transfer window early; mostly before the world cup.
Chelsea's main issue last season was the lack of goals, the lack of a world class striker to find the net when most needed against the lesser sides. Many believe Chelsea would have won the title last season had they had a prolific striker and its hard to disagree. Mourinho was clever; snapping up the goal machine Diego Costa for just the small amount of £32m.
Costa had a poor world cup for Spain after a brilliant season for Atletico Madrid in which his goals led them to the title. After the World cup many tipped the Brazilian born Spanish international to be a flop but as we well know he is proving any doubters wrong. Costa is sometimes reminiscent of the legendary Drobga; strong, aggressive and clinical. Mourinho wrapped this deal up barely before the season ended. Next to follow was former Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas, the final piece of the jigsaw. With Xavi and Iniesta's best days behind them its difficult to see why Barcelona let one of the best playmakers in world Football leave. Chelsea's gain nevertheless. Arsene Wenger snubbed Fabregas, claiming he was not needed due to Ozil's arrival at the Emirates last winter; a move which Wenger (12 points behind Chelsea) is probably regretting now.
Costa has 10 goals in 9 and a game rarely goes by these days where Fabregas doesn't get an assist, Chelsea lacked goals and at times creativity last season, Mourinho quickly acted on this with the signings of Costa and Fabregas. The additions have turned Chelsea's already impressive, well organised team into champions elect.
Jose Mourinho got his business done early and had all of pre-season to prepare his new squad for the new season while Manchester United signed: Di Maia, Falcao and Daley Blind well into the new season. Arsenal did similar with the deadline day signing of Danny Welbeck as did Liverpool with Mario Balotelli. Mourinho strengthened in positions that needed while United didn't address the defensive issue despite spending millions on attacking talent.
Arsenal still obviously lack depth and are crying out for a Nemanja Matic type defensive midfielder.
Chelsea's preparation is a major factor in their early season success; Mourinho's new recruits have had plenty of time to jell unlike their rivals' later signings and Mourinho's men do not look like getting caught anytime soon.
