Is there room for improvement at Chelsea?

[CHOULO19 24,332]

Is there room for improvement at Chelsea?

Although Chelsea were strongly fancied to enjoy a successful 2014/2015 campaign, few expected the Blues to make such a blistering start that has blown everyone away. Not only has Jose Mourinho kept his promise that his team would fare much better in the Premier League in his second season since returning to Stamford Bridge, but also appear ominously strong in the Champions League and Capital One Cup. Chelsea have made their way to the semi-final stage of the latter competition after the 3-1 victory at Derby, but there were signs of complacency creeping into their game which made the victory less secure than it could have been. The same could be said of recent performances in the Premier League; although the defeat at Newcastle may turn out to be a blessing in disguise despite Chelsea losing their unbeaten record, the Blues have allowed Manchester City to catch up to them at the top following the potentially damaging 5-3 loss at Tottenham.

Lack of cutting edge

It may sound extremely harsh to find a fault in any of Chelseas performances this season, but there have been occasions in recent weeks where the team could be criticised for a lack of cutting edge. The Blues are the joint-top goal scorers in the Premier League, yet failed to be ruthless and put Hull to the sword despite playing against ten men for the last 30 minutes. It could be argued that the game was already won by the time Tom Huddlestone received a straight red card, particularly as the visitors barely threatened at any stage of the game, but it was an opportunity missed to score more. Chelsea also struggled to create many clear-cut chances against Newcastle and Southampton who made themselves extremely difficult to break down a tactic which may be used more frequently by opponents who try to stop the likes of Eden Hazard, Diego Costa and Oscar in full flow. Goal difference could be a crucial factor in the title race, with Manchester City showing the same defensive and attacking qualities as Chelsea, meaning that Mourinhos sides must be more creative and ruthless when opportunities to score a number of goals arise.

Defensive errors

Errors are part and parcel of football, but a backline which has looked so secure this season has shown signs of complacency that need to be addressed. John Terrys uncharacteristic error against Southampton could be put down as one of those moments that can happen in any football match, but the lack of shape and organisation against Tottenham was ruthlessly exposed. Chelsea were well aware of the rich vein of form Harry Kane is in, yet gave the English striker way too much time and space to pull the strings and cause havoc. It may prove to be a one-off, but other teams will gain encouragement from how effective Tottenhams direct approach was at unsettling Chelseas defensive line and look to replicate it.

Mourinho has set extremely high standards at Chelsea this season, and will undoubtedly look to ensure the team remain tight at the back and do not become sloppy in their application of solid defending. Upcoming games against Swansea and Manchester City are likely to pose a real test of Chelseas resolve as Premier League leaders, and will need John Terry to lead by example and ensure the teams attacking threat is matched by a water-tight defence to stand the best chance of remaining at the summit come the end of the season.

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[Strike 6,958]

Lot of room for improvement. Especially away form.

[kellzfresh 7,226]

1. Fast CB that doesn't back off till opponents enter our box - Varane

2. Powerful, mobile and technical CM that can shoot from distance and help us in big games - Pogba or sissoko

3. Right winger that can dribble, and cross with a very good assist rate. - Reus, Griezmann, Lacazette, Roberto Firmino.

Explanation.

The fast CB is obvious. We can't allow everyone to realize our weaknesses of how anyone who attacks our backline one on one situations will be made to look like messi because they are slow so must back off. Even cabella and chadlii become cronaldos.

We need a ballack. Powerful, technique, mobile as Matic and can score from outside the box. We can't play fabregas and oscar together in midfield against the big teams, tottenham taught us that.

We should buy a right winger who has more than 10assists a season. No more hoping they develop, we haven't gone anywhere because of that.

[Viper22 2,418]

There is always room for improvement.

The minute a club thinks it is complete and thinks that it no longer needs to improve is the minute it falls from its pedestal. Pride comes before a fall and all that.

And anyway, there are obvious ways we could improve: world class RW that can score goals (Reus ) and quite possibly a world class CB.

The striker situation is fine for now but the Drog needs to be replaced at the end of the season, we need to find adequate replacements for Fabregas and Matic respectively for when they're injured/rested and a 2nd choice GK needs to be signed when Cech leaves.

Then Ivan/JT/Cahill/Luis are all getting on and might need to be replaced before long, it's an endless cycle, and I love it .

[Special Juan 27,093]

Like everyone has said, always room for improvement. We won't buy this window but summer we will. Andre and Mo Salah will leave.

[Spike 12,049]

Like everyone has said, always room for improvement. We won't buy this window but summer we will. Andre and Mo Salah will leave.

I think you mean German Ronaldo and Egyptian Messi.

[Special Juan 27,093]

I think you mean German Ronaldo and Egyptian Messi.

Yeah I'm sorry about that.

[Spike 12,049]

Yeah I'm sorry about that.

Get it right mate, show some respect.

[Special Juan 27,093]

Get it right mate, show some respect.

Trying.

[Essien313 2]

Don't agree with salah and Andre have to leave, just think they ain't been giving enough chance.

Didn't understand at all how salah could've had a positive impact at white hart lane when we were 4-1 down