It began as a plan, became a chant and is now a reality that could define a classic Premier League season. When Chelsea fans serenaded Atlético Madrid’s Diego Costa with “we’ll see you next year”, it captured their belief that the club were working on bringing in a heavyweight line-leader and goalscorer. The deal was sealed with Atlético, Costa signed, and he is now primed to deliver goals and the title.
He has the technique, the strength and the burst of acceleration to destroy defences. With Cesc Fabregas arriving to link midfield and attack, create chances for Costa and score himself, and the exceptional Thibaut Courtois surely succeeding Petr Cech, Chelsea look to have a title-winning spine. Jose Mourinho craves a return to winning ways and this could be a special season for Chelsea.
No club used more substitutes in the Premier League last season than Mourinho, who sent on 113 players (a contrast with the lowest, 89 from Brendan Rodgers), indicating resting players late on or the need to spice up the attack. Chelsea now look to have a more settled first choice.
The belief that this could be one of the greatest title races ever is enhanced by the fact that strong cases can be made for contenders north and south. Manchester City timed their run perfectly to the title last season, scoring 102 goals, almost a tenth of the league total of 1052.
They need their World Cup players to regain sharpness quickly, to clarify the No 1 goalkeeper position (surely Joe Hart is better than Willy Caballero) and keep Sergio Agüero fit. City’s defence already looks stronger with the addition of Eliaquim Mangala and they will push Chelsea all the way.
No comments:
Post a Comment