Chelsea have won three consecutive matches for the first time since March, but despite their recent success, they currently sit in 11th place in the Premier League, trailing Arsenal by nine points. The upcoming match between Chelsea and Arsenal will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League from 5pm, with kick-off at 5:30pm.
Chelsea’s impressive 4-1 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor earlier this month is noteworthy for several reasons. It marked only the second time in a year that they had achieved three consecutive wins, following their Carabao Cup triumph over Brighton and a win against Fulham. Additionally, this result was the first time since March 2022 that Chelsea had scored more than three goals in a competitive match.
The win against Burnley also provided evidence of Chelsea’s improvement over the past year. It was the first time they entered a mid-season international break with a win in 19 months, allowing Chelsea supporters to have a rare luxury of optimism. However, there are questions about whether this improvement is sustainable or merely a result of favorable fixtures.
Mauricio Pochettino’s impact as Chelsea’s manager has been positive, despite the team’s slow start to the season. Chelsea’s underlying numbers have improved under Pochettino, ranking seventh in the Premier League for expected goals compared to their previous ranking of 12th. They have also shown improvements in their ability to press the opposition, moving from seventh to second in possessions won in the attacking third per match.
However, Chelsea continues to struggle with their finishing, having one of the worst expected goals differentials in the league. Enzo Fernandez has become a key player under Pochettino’s system, but he has yet to score in the Premier League and has only two assists. The team will need to improve their goal-scoring efficiency to maintain their progress.
Another player who has stepped up under Pochettino is Raheem Sterling. Playing in his preferred position on the wing, Sterling has been a standout performer for Chelsea. He leads the team in goals and successful take-ons per 90 minutes in the Premier League, outperforming his expected goals total.
Chelsea’s progress will face a tough test when they face Arsenal, who have had the upper hand in recent encounters. Arsenal have won seven of their last eight matches against Chelsea and have been victorious in their last three visits to Stamford Bridge. Defeating Arsenal would be a significant milestone for Chelsea and would solidify their resurgence.
Overall, Chelsea’s recent improvement shows promise, but it remains to be seen if it is sustainable. Their upcoming matches against tough opponents will provide a clearer picture of their progress. The match against Arsenal will be a crucial test for Chelsea and an opportunity to prove that they are truly back on track.
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