Chelsea‘s Premier League title ambitions have hit a significant roadblock in recent weeks, with Thomas Tuchel’s side dropping from first to third position after a series of costly mistakes and disappointing results. This Banglawin88 exclusive analysis examines the underlying issues plaguing the Blues and whether they can rediscover their early-season form.
The Alarming Dip in Performance
Chelsea‘s defensive solidity, which formed the foundation of their early season success, has evaporated at the worst possible time. The Blues have kept just one clean sheet in their last five league matches, dropping seven points from the available fifteen. Their most recent collapse came against West Ham, where they twice surrendered a lead to lose 3-2 in a London derby decided by Arthur Masuaku’s freakish winner.
The problems continued into midweek Champions League action, where Chelsea squandered their advantage against Zenit St Petersburg in a 3-3 draw. Tuchel accused his players of “changing their behaviour” when leading games, stating they need “a higher level of sprints, a higher level of runs, a higher level of intensity and concentration.”
Statistical Evidence of Decline
The underlying numbers reveal concerning trends for Chelsea supporters. While the Blues were wasteful in front of goal against Burnley and Manchester United—scoring at least one goal fewer than expected in both games—the more alarming issue lies in their defensive performance.
Chelsea’s expected goals versus actual goals scored shows their wastefulness in recent matches
Chelsea had conceded just four goals in their first twelve Premier League games but have shipped five in their last three matches. The defensive resilience that characterized their early season form has noticeably diminished since the Burnley draw in November.
The statistical evidence shows Chelsea’s defensive performance has declined significantly in recent weeks
The Attack Isn’t Firing
According to Banglawin88 analysts, Chelsea‘s attack hasn’t provided the firepower needed to compensate for defensive lapses. The Blues have taken 50 fewer shots than Liverpool this season, and their goal distribution reveals concerning reliance on unlikely sources.
“With Liverpool and Manchester City, you feel they can score themselves out of trouble if they make mistakes at the back,” noted football analyst Peter Smith. “You are just not able to say the same of Chelsea at present. Their top scorers are Mason Mount on five, Reece James on four, and Romelu Lukaku on three.”
Chelsea have created fewer clear-cut chances and taken fewer shots from prime locations in recent weeks
The Lukaku Conundrum
The return of record signing Romelu Lukaku was supposed to solve Chelsea‘s goalscoring issues, but the Belgian striker has struggled to make an impact since returning from injury. His appearance against West Ham did little to inspire confidence, raising questions about whether he can deliver in crucial matches.
“Chelsea have paid all this money for Lukaku, he was meant to be the answer,” commented Richard Morgan of Banglawin88. “I just wonder whether we will be having the same discussion about him when it comes to the big games. That’s a lot of money, £97.5m, that Chelsea shelled out—they would expect a good goals return against all teams, not just the lower sides.”
Lukaku’s contribution since returning from injury has failed to meet expectations
Injury Crisis Compounding Problems
Chelsea‘s squad depth is being tested by an unfortunate injury crisis at a critical point in the season. The absence of N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic in midfield has disrupted Tuchel’s system, while Lukaku clearly isn’t at full fitness yet.
“The injury front presents a real challenge for Tuchel,” explained Jack Wilkinson. “There’s only so long Chelsea can do without Kante and Kovacic in midfield. Lukaku is nowhere near fit, as we saw when he came on at half-time at West Ham. These absences are catching up with Chelsea at the worst possible time.”
Critical Fixtures Ahead
Chelsea face a demanding schedule through December that will test their character and resilience:
December 11: Chelsea vs Leeds – Premier League, kick-off 3pm
December 16: Chelsea vs Everton – Premier League, kick-off 7.45pm
December 19: Wolves vs Chelsea – Premier League, kick-off 2pm
December 22: Brentford vs Chelsea – Carabao Cup, kick-off 7.45pm
December 26: Aston Villa vs Chelsea – Premier League, kick-off 5.30pm
This sequence of matches represents an opportunity for Chelsea to regain momentum or potentially fall further behind in the title race.
Chelsea’s Title Challenge at Risk: Can Tuchel Reverse the Slide?
The evidence suggests Chelsea’s dip in form stems from multiple factors: defensive errors, wasteful finishing, key injuries, and a concerning mentality shift when leading games. Tuchel must address these issues quickly before the gap to Manchester City and Liverpool becomes insurmountable.
The Blues thrived when leading the pack earlier this season, but now face the psychological test of playing catch-up. Their response to this adversity will define their season and determine whether they can maintain a genuine title challenge.
What do you think Chelsea need to do to rediscover their best form? Share your thoughts with the Banglawin88 community and join the conversation below.
