BBC pundit Alan Shearer believes that the departures of Diego Costa and Nemanja Matic are key to Chelsea’s inconsistent start to the season.
Matic, 29, joined Premier League rivals Manchester United whilst Costa, 29, returned to La Liga and Atletico Madrid during the summer transfer window.
Both players were crucial in helping Chelsea secure a second Premier League title in three seasons in the previous campaign.
In their absence, the Blues have experienced some disappointing results during the early stages of the campaign, losing to Burnley and Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
The league champions are currently sitting in fourth place, nine points behind table topping Manchester City.
Antonio Conte’s side also produced a lacklustre second-half display in midweek as they lost 3-0 away to Roma in the Champions League.
Chelsea face another tough fixture as they welcome Manchester United to Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon as they look to get their season right back on track.
Speaking on the official Coral Twitter account, BBC regular Shearer is convinced that Chelsea’s difficulties stem from losing Matic and Costa in the summer after highlighting the fact that Champions League participation has also influenced their form.
.@alanshearer believes Chelsea made one huge mistake in the summer, which is partly to blame for their indifferent start to the season: pic.twitter.com/tOxPYrPVnu
— Coral (@Coral) November 4, 2017
“The second reason is Costa and Matic,” he said.
“To let Matic go was a huge surprise. A big mistake in my opinion.
“We know about the Costa situation but if you put all those reasons together and that’s why their performances have been very indifferent.
“Whoever’s made the Matic decision, it’s a huge mistake. To let him go was a gamble, to let him go to one of your rivals and to Manchester United, and he’s been one of their best players this year, it was a big mistake.”
OPINION
Chelsea have clearly suffered in the absence of their two star men from last season. Matic has shone in his first months at Old Trafford whilst Costa is still yet to feature for his new side due to a transfer ban. Their replacements have failed to stamp their authority and all the signs indicate that Chelsea could experience a similar campaign to Jose Mourinho’s 2015-16 season. However, the Blues have also experienced a number of important injuries as 2017 PFA Player of the Year N’Golo Kante has missed a substantial period of time alongside summer signing Danny Drinkwater. Competing in the Champions League is also a crucial factor as the players appear to have lost some freshness from the previous campaign.