OPINION
Before the start of the 2018/19 Premier League season it was widely believed that the title would end up being contested by two clubs: Liverpool and defending champions Manchester City.
After eight games however there are still five teams within reach of the top of the table, and the title race could well end up being more tight than previously predicted.
Chelsea find themselves level on points with both Liverpool and City at this point in the season, with new coach Maurizio Sarri having a swift impact on the Blues after his arrival from Napoli in the summer.
Chelsea could well be in with a shout of the Premier League title if they keep up this form, but there is one area of concern which may end up coming back to bite them as the season progresses.
The Blues are struggling for goals up front, with both Olivier Giroud and Alvaro Morata failing to fire this season – Giroud is yet to score in any competition while Morata has just three.
Despite his superior goals record it is clear for all to see that Morata is struggling more than Giroud, who contributes to the side in other ways going forward.
And, according to The Sun, Sarri is now ready to give up on the Spain international after losing patience with his form as he lines up a January move for Inter Milan star Mauro Icardi, with AC Milan ace Patrick Cutrone a potential alternative.
Morata is a good player, that is recognised at Chelsea, but there are said to be concerns within the club that he may not find his best form in London.
The quicker that Chelsea fix this issue the better their chances of remaining at the top of the table and challenging for the title come May.
Icardi would be a brilliant option for the Blues, with the Argentina international having a ridiculous record of 112 goals in 190 games for Inter.
Cutrone is another potential Premier League star, with the young Italian in prolific form for AC, and either player would likely offer an upgrade on Morata.
Chelsea must now go through with this reported January swoop to transform their fortunes up front and guarantee themselves to remain in the title race as the season progresses.