CHELSEA are just one win away from their fifth Premier League title in 13 seasons.
Antonio Conte has swept into West London and revitalised the team who finished 10th last season.
The Italian is set to win the title in his first season in England… just as predecessors Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti did before him.
Victory over Middlesbrough on Monday evening leaves Chelsea needing just one more victory to clinch the title.
But how does Conte’s new-look team stack up against previous Blues champions?
Chelsea 2005
STAR MAN Frank Lampard
ATTACK
Arjen Robben and Damien Duff terrorised defences, but it was Frank Lampard who was top scorer. 8
DEFENCE
John Terry marshalled the best defence in Premier League history, with just 15 goals conceded. 10
ENTERTAINMENT
Dominated teams but the flowing football was on display in only fleeting glimpses. 7
STYLE
Jose Mourinho’s brash confidence rubbed off on his new team who at times verged on arrogant. 8
TACTICAL NOUS
Jose brought in a 4-3-3 formation that brought out the best of his players and made them very had to beat. 10
LIKEABILITY
Anti-Abramovich feelings and too many dull performances took the edge of Jose’s personal charm. 6
TOTAL 49/60
Chelsea 2006
STAR MAN Frank Lampard
ATTACK
Didier Drogba led the line again as Chelsea retained their title, although Lampard was again top scorer. 7
DEFENCE
The arrival of Asier Del Horno didn’t help as Blues back line can’t match last year’s accomplishment. 7
ENTERTAINMENT
The beautiful game took a back seat for most of the season, a title-winning 3-0 win over Man Utd a rare highlight. 6
STYLE
Jose’s bad temper was reflected in his team as Chelsea became synonymous with hounding referees. 5
TACTICAL NOUS
Mourinho refined his system as Chelsea led the table from start to finish. 10
LIKEABILITY
Novelty wore off and Chelsea got a reputation for grinding out easy wins. 5
TOTAL 40/60
Chelsea 2010
STAR MAN Didier Drogba
ATTACK
Blues found their mojo to set a new goal-scoring record with 103 goals, winning the title with 8- thrashing of Wigan. 10
DEFENCE
Not as watertight in the past, as Ancelotti’s attacking midfield provided little cover for the back four. 6
ENTERTAINMENT
Chelsea shrugged off the shackles of Mourinho’s era to flourish with a front three of Anelka-Drogba-Malouda. 9
STYLE
Ancelotti’s team showed more respect to officials and had the flourish that fans associate with Double winners. 9
TACTICAL NOUS
Chelsea’s off-the-cuff style meant they were less tactically astute under Ancelotti. 6
LIKEABILITY
Ancelotti’s affable approach won over the neutrals but the John Terry/Wayne Bridge affair soured the charm offensive. 7
TOTAL 47/60
Most read in football
Chelsea 2015
STAR MAN Eden Hazard
ATTACK
Diego Costa joined to become Jose Mourinho’s target man and formed a formidable understanding with Eden Hazard. 7
DEFENCE
John Terry and Gary Cahill made the Blues a tough proposition but they still conceded 32 goals, more than double that of 2005. 8
ENTERTAINMENT
At times mesmerising (5-0 vs Swansea in January) but as the season wore on they ground out some gritty results. 6
STYLE
Hazard and Willian provided the flair, with Cesc Fabregas pulling the strings from midfield. 8
TACTICAL NOUS
Jose went with a 4-2-3-1 formation that gave him the opportunity to both attack and defend depending on the game situation. 8
LIKEABILITY
Jose’s second team of champions were much easier on the eye, although Costa became the one everyone loved to hate. 8
TOTAL 45/60
Chelsea 2017
STAR MAN N’Golo Kante
ATTACK
The PHD front three of Pedro, Hazard and Diego Costa combined brilliantly to fire Chelsea to their fifth Premier League title. 8
DEFENCE
N’Golo Kante has been outstanding and David Luiz has found his perfect role at the heart of the back three. 8
ENTERTAINMENT
Accused of being too counter-attacking but Chelsea have shown they can also take it to the opposition. 7
STYLE
Antonio Conte’s passion and professionalism has rubbed off on his team who play with energy and skill. 8
TACTICAL NOUS
Conte’s introduction of a 3-4-3 formation has been copied by others, and gives Chelsea the width to break down dogged defences. 9
LIKEABILITY
The manager hasn’t put a foot wrong and any football fan can’t deny Hazard is a joy to watch. 8
TOTAL 48/60
VERDICT
Antonio Conte’s current champions are Chelsea’s most complete team since Jose Mourinho’s team that won back-to-back titles.
They have the edge going forward, but no one can match Mourinho’s first Chelsea team for defensive prowess.
And Mourinho’s side also had to contend with competing in the Champions League. Today’s Chelsea have reaped the benefits of not being in Europe this season.
So Jose’s vintage of 2005 narrowly sneaks it ahead of Conte’s men, by 49 to 48, with Ancelotti’s entertainers of 2010 close behind.
Leave a comment