- Chelsea left it late to pick up three points in their opening game of the 2016-17 Premier League season as Antonio Conte’s side otherwise looked very impressive in beating West Ham 2-1.
12 points separated these two teams last season as the Hammers finished in the European places and Chelsea down in 10th spot, but early signs are the Blues could go back to being title challengers this season. You can get odds of 5/1 on Chelsea to win the Premier League at http://sports.williamhill.com/
Antonio Conte’s excellent record with Juventus in Italy and overachieving with Italy during this summer’s Euro 2016, notably beating Spain 2-0 in the second round, certainly gave Chelsea fans optimism heading into the new season.
The summer transfer activity hasn’t been as busy at Stamford Bridge as many expected following the arrival of the new coach, with N’Golo Kante and Michy Batshuayi the only new signings so far. Juan Cuadrado has returned from loan to challenge Willian and Pedro to play down the right wing.
- Diego Costa scored Chelsea’s winner in their opening game. The Spaniard is under pressure to perform this season with the arrival of Michy Batshuayi. The quick Belgian striker scored 23 goals for a poor Marseille side last season and offers a different option up front. Costa had little competition in the starting lineup last season up against Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao. Getting the former Atletico Madrid hitman to where he was in his debut season in West London is just what Chelsea want this season.
Versus West Ham, Chelsea were closing the opposition down very well and barely allowed West Ham a chance on goal. James Collins’ equaliser was an excellent strike, but did come from a corner that was won from Dimitri Payet’s blocked free kick that should never have been awarded.
Chelsea dominated possession and territory, but if there’s one small concern from their performance it was not putting the game away at 1-0. They didn’t create too many clear-cut opportunities and scored their opener thanks to some clever play from Csar Azpilicueta to win a penalty.
There were a lot of positive signs from their opening game – and none more so than Eden Hazard looking sharp and determined once again. He had a poor 2015-16 campaign but Conte appears to have motivated him to start the season as he was constantly driving at the West Ham defence, and causing them problems on the first Monday night game of the season.
With the Belgian superstar at his best, Diego Costa firing goals and the defence looking solid again, Chelsea are not only set for a top four finish this season, but they could just as easily challenge for the Premier League title.
