Chelsea have made a 100% start to the new Premier League season – here Sportmasta take a closer look at what Antonio Conte is doing differently to former manager Jose Mourinho.
With the first international break of the season now upon us, the
early title favourites have established themselves at the summit of the
Premier League. Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea are three
for three as August draws to a close, with the trio’s new managers
working wonders already. Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte
have each impressed in their early weeks at their respective helms, with
the three teams topping England’s top tier.
While City and United were expected to challenge early on given the
sheer level of investment this summer, Chelsea’s rise to the top has
been less expected. The Blues required late goals to secure maximum
points against West Ham and Watford before ending the month on a high
with victory over Burnley. It’s a vast improvement on the four points
Chelsea gained from the opening three league games last season, when it
took nine games for the Blues to secure their third win of the campaign.
The poor start to the catastrophic title defence ultimately cost Jose
Mourinho his job, though he was somewhat unfortunate. 2015 Player of
the Season Eden Hazard was suffering with injuries, with Mourinho unable
to maximise his attacking qualities. As a result, the Blues suffered,
but after ending the previous campaign strongly, the Belgian has made a
superb start to life under Conte. Only Curtis Davies (8.49) has gained a
better WhoScored.com rating than Hazard (8.25) in
the Premier League this season, with his 17 successful dribbles better than any other player.
His influence in the final third is having the desired effect for
Chelsea, who are averaging far more shots per game this season (17) than
they managed after three games under Mourinho last term (12). Indeed,
with Hazard seamlessly breaking through the opposition defence, the
Blues have averaged more key passes per game (12.3) than at the same
stage last term (9.3). Not only has Hazard’s impact been vital, but the
return to form of Diego Costa has provided the crucial focal point to
help in Conte’s 4-1-4-1 formation.
In the early stages of last season, Costa would often pull to the
wings and while this is a requirement when operating as a lone frontman,
that Chelsea had no players in the opposition box to finish off chances
meant the Blues were lacking in the penalty area. Indeed, Conte has now
demanded Costa remain more central to allow the wide men – Hazard and
Willian – free reign to provide the attacking width.
As a result, Chelsea have benefited, with no player directly involved
in more goals than Costa (3) in the Premier League this season. While
there has been a hint of good fortune – he should arguably have been red
carded against West Ham before netting the winner late on and missed
the subsequent victory over Watford, or received his marching orders
before his late strike in the latter win – he’s enjoying a far more
profitable third season in London than he did second. The arrival of
Michy Batshuayi has evidently had the desired effect on Costa’s
improvements, with the Belgian a better back-up than Loic Remy,
Alexandre Pato and Falcao.
Despite just 32 minutes of action, Batshuayi has been directly
involved in two goals, providing the vital assist for Costa’s winner
against West Ham before bagging the equaliser against Watford.
Importantly, though, is that with Conte able to utilise Batshuayi from
the bench, the Italian can re-shuffle his side to move from a 4-1-4-1 to
a 4-2-4 formation, with the pair quickly striking up an understanding
when the Belgian is introduced.
A key component in that regard, though, has been N’Golo Kante. While
Nemanja Matic was vital in Chelsea’s title win, the Serb lost his way a
little, shirking his defensive responsibilities last season. In Kante,
however, Conte has his midfield general to shield the back line. “Eat
grass,” was the manager’s maxim at Juventus; Kante absolutely devours
the stuff. He is averaging the second most tackles (2.7) and
interceptions (1.7) of all Chelsea players and impresses when on the
ball, with his pass success rate (95.1%) the third best of all Premier
League players to make at least one start this season.
Chelsea are averaging more possession under Conte (58.9%) than they
managed at this stage under Mourinho (53%) yet are averaging the same
number of tackles (15). If anything, this only accentuates Kante’s
efficiency in the middle of the park, with the France international
ensuring there is as little pressure on the Chelsea goal as possible.
It’s allowed the Blues to concede the fewest shots per game (6.3) in the
Premier League so far this season – a huge dip on the 16.7 after three
games last term.
Of course the differing quality between the three teams Chelsea met
this season compared to last is staggering. The Blues faced tough away
days at Manchester City and West Brom, whereas Conte’s only away trip
has been to a Watford side still finding their feet under Walter
Mazzarri. However, you can only beat what is in front of you and Chelsea
have done just that so far this season. The defence needs investment
before the transfer deadline, but there are positive signs of
improvement under Conte, with the new signings and primary attackers
each having an influential role that has helped Chelsea to a 100%
record.
BREAKING | #SCFC delighted to announce the season-long loan signing of @wilfriedbony from @ManCity
Mikel Obi, Victor Moses and Kelechi Iheanacho were
among some of the stars in training as the German officially took over
from Sunday Oliseh
