As the Premier League’s twenty first season nears its close, there are a couple of small matters still to be decided. European places, relegations and of course the title winner are yet to be confirmed. It’s the tightest and one of the most compelling seasons in living memory, a season of twists and turns and a season of change in the top flight.
If you ask the bookies, Chelsea are rank outsiders to be crowned champions, priced at 8/1. However, with the experience of their squad and tactical knowhow of a managerial great, it’s dangerous to write them off just yet.
Chelsea may be two points behind Liverpool and two ahead of Manchester City, who have two games in hand, but the Blues do have one final ace up their sleeves. Their not so secret weapon; a Portuguese man going by the name of José Mourinho.
Mourinho is a winner. It is impossible to dispute that. Whilst he has had murky periods at Real Madrid and at Chelsea in the past, they have still been victorious ones. He has won a UEFA cup, two Champions Leagues, an FA Cup, two Serie As, a La Liga and two Premier Leagues as well as a whole host of other trophies.
On the other hand, Manuel Pelligrini is a loser. That’s meant in the nicest possible way, but it isn’t unfounded by any means. He has managed at Real Madrid during a nine year spell in European football. Despite this, Pelligrini has only won a Capital One Cup. Mourinho has won twenty trophies in twelve years.
Brendan Rodgers provides a far less conclusive comparison. A coach at Chelsea under Mourinho, the Portuguese man has the psychological upper hand over his apprentice. Rodgers won promotion from the Championship with Swansea, albeit through the playoffs, so he does know how to lead a successful campaign. He is the new boy at the table and, in turn, Pelligrini and Mourinho must judge his poker face correctly or risk going bust.
Chelsea also have the advantage of player experience on their side, as do Manchester City. Of the Chelsea squad, six players have won the Premier League. Four of those players (Lampard, Terry, Cole and Cech) have won the title three times. This experience could prove to be invaluable in crucial games. The majority of the Machester City squad were also crowned champions in the 2011/12 season.
Liverpool have not won the title during the modern era and you have to stretch back 24 years for the last time that England’s most desired trophy was paraded around Merseyside. Only three members of the squad have experience of winning the title. Kolo Toure being the only player to play a pivotal role in a championship winning team (Arsenal), however that was over a decade ago.
The experience of Chelsea and Manchester City’s players could give them the edge in the latter stages of the competition, especially as Liverpool have to face both sides. The Red’s fans’ anxiousness generated by a 24 year wait in Merseyside could spill onto the pitch, allowing Chelsea to assert themselves in the centre of the title race.
With Chelsea performing well in the Champions League, momentum and confidence is gathering at Stamford Bridge following a run of good results including the quarter final victory against PSG. Whilst this could provide a distraction from the league, Chelsea have a large squad and Mourinho has juggled the league and Europe successfully at previous clubs.
Fixture timing also plays into Chelsea’s hands. Manchester City and Liverpool face eachother this weekend in what will be a massive match. Chelsea have the advantage of playing Liverpool after the Manchester City game. This means that they could face a demoralised Liverpool team following defeat by City. It could mean that in the case of a Liverpool win, Manchester City have slowed down in the title race. Or in the case of a City/Liverpool draw, Chelsea would be top of the league (providing they win other games) and could extend a lead over Liverpool whilst keeping close to Manchester City.
Taking all that into account, Liverpool and Manchester City still have much stronger chances of winning the title. However, with the expertise of Mourinho and experience of their squad, Chelsea shouldn’t be written off at this stage. All three teams have a good chance of making history, it will be a gruelling finish to a fantastic season, whoever wins the League will have had to put up a great fight.
What’s your take? Are Chelsea realistic title contenders? OR Are Liverpool and City already out of sight?
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