From wallowing in the depths of mid-table obscurity to sitting pretty at the summit of the English Premier League, the story of Chelsea’s revival is an intriguing one. But just what powers are at play in this Antonio Conte managerial master-class?
How Conte Has transformed Chelsea
The tactical approach
The decision made by Conte to alter the team’s tactics and revert to a 3-4-3 formation has yielded monumental success. Since the tactical change, the Blues have won six league games on the bounce and subsequently sky-rocketed from eight in the table to first, all in the space of 56 days. After Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 win over newly-promoted Middlesbrough, Chelsea marked their sixth consecutive victory in the Premier League; three points that duly saw them rise to the top of the table for the first time since the 2014/15 season, when they were last crowned league champions.
Conte’s 3-4-3 formation is a rather attacking formation, but with the array of offensive talent at his disposal, it’s one that suits the London club undoubtedly. After Diego Costa’s 41st minute goal at the Riverside on Sunday, they became the league’s highest scorers since the 1st October with 17 goals. The defence have also kept six consecutive clean sheets, boasting the best defensive record in the league in the past month, as well as creating the third most chances with 81.
Costa’s return to form
Since the formation change, Diego Costa has only failed to score in one game: a 4-0 drubbing of Manchester United in which his help was not badly needed. His winner against Middlesbrough saw him cement his place at the head of the top scorers’ list with ten goals, two ahead of Sergio Agüero. What’s even more impressive is that he’s managed to score in each of his side’s last seven away games.
But’s its not all about the goals in Costa’s new role. As well as scoring a large handful of goals, he also has three assists to his name. His ability to hold the ball up with ferocious aggression and persistence is admirable, and he has been able to create some fabulous chances for his team-mates, as he did for the likes of Pedro, Marcos Alonso and Eden Hazard last week.
Costa looks to have finally returned to the sort of form that helped carry the Blues to a Premier League title in his first season in England. If Conte can keep his star-striker in this sort of form, the possibilities are endless as to the success Chelsea could enjoy.
Victor Moses/Pedro re-emergence
The former Italy manager has reintroduced some familiar faces to the starting line-up. Victor Moses and Pedro have been the most significant changes, both of whom were isolated from the first-team for large chunks of last season. However, they’ve both stepped up when needed.
Moses’ call-up has been far more surprising, though. Having not previously made a league appearance for Chelsea in the last three three years, the Nigerian has been given a new lease of life under Conte’s reign.
Deployed in a new role as a right wing-back in the Italian’s 3-4-3 system, Moses is in his element. His strength and speed, two of his greatest characteristics, really compliment his new position, as was shown against Middlesbrough. The former Liverpool loanee isn’t just adapting, he’s flourishing.
As well as Moses, Pedro is seeing more first-team action come his way. The Spaniard is also providing some stellar performances, and is beginning to prove why he was once one of the most sought-after wingers in the world before he signed. Nathaniel Chalobah is slowly being integrated into the starting line-up with a handful of sub appearances to his name, too. Conte seems to have perfected the blend of youth and experience, and it’s starting to pay dividends.
Chelsea will be hoping to extend this unbeaten run long into the New Year, but first they face a tough test. Tottenham Hotspur are set to visit Stamford Bridge tomorrow, which is followed by an away trip to Manchester City. If they can clamber through this hellish fortnight, there really isn’t anything stopping them but themselves from bringing a Premier League title back to West London.
Main Photo
