5 Reasons Why Chelsea Could Win the Premier League This Season Under Enzo Maresca
With Chelsea now the form team in the Premier League following their fifth straight win, speculation about their title chances is intensifying. Despite Enzo Maresca’s cautious remarks about the youthfulness of his squad, the Blues are displaying all the qualities of champions. Here are five reasons why Chelsea could lift the Premier League trophy this season:
1. Chelsea Are the Form Team
Chelsea’s current form is unmatched. Since a 3-2 win against Newcastle back in March, the Blues have been on a stunning run, amassing 61 points over 28 Premier League games. That’s six more than Arsenal and Manchester City, and seven more than Liverpool during the same period.
What started under Mauricio Pochettino has been refined by Maresca, who has built on the momentum and steadied the ship. Consistency has been key, and if Chelsea maintain this form over the remaining 22 games, they have every chance of being crowned champions.
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“I think Enzo Maresca’s so far manager of the season”
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) December 15, 2024
Huge praise from Joe Cole as Chelsea continue their impressive form 📈
🎙@lynseyhipgrave1 | 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK pic.twitter.com/sr2LKrMY4w
2. Man City’s Slump Leaves the Door Open
Premier League titles are often as much about the performance of rivals as the form of the champions. Chelsea might be benefitting from a rare dip in the levels of competition. Manchester City’s struggles, epitomized by their dramatic derby loss to Manchester United, have created an opening.
Liverpool and Arsenal are both formidable opponents but appear slightly more vulnerable this season. With Liverpool’s projected points total at 91, it’s possible the league could be won with a tally in the high 80s. Chelsea’s sustained form suggests they’re well-positioned to take advantage of this opportunity.
3. Cole Palmer’s Brilliance
Special players elevate teams, and Chelsea’s ace in the pack is Cole Palmer. The 22-year-old has been sensational this season, scoring 11 Premier League goals—a tally bettered only by Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah. But it’s not just about goals; Palmer’s creativity has been just as influential. He has created more chances than any other player in the league.
Palmer’s composure under pressure—as demonstrated by his audacious Panenka penalty against Tottenham—is a rare trait in a player so young. With his ability to influence games in multiple ways, Palmer could be the driving force behind Chelsea’s title charge.
Nah he’s actually the coldest!!
— Charlie Patrick (@charliepatrick0) December 8, 2024
Cole Palmer 🤝Panenka
🥶🥶🥶 pic.twitter.com/z9zcL4qlXg
4. No Champions League Distractions
Chelsea’s absence from the Champions League is proving to be an unexpected advantage. Without the grueling midweek trips and high-intensity fixtures, Maresca’s squad has been able to focus almost exclusively on the Premier League.
Palmer, for instance, has not had to juggle European commitments like Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka or Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. All 16 of Palmer’s starts this season have been in the Premier League, allowing him to remain fresh and focused.
The situation mirrors Chelsea’s title-winning campaign in 2016/17 under Antonio Conte, when they were also free from European distractions. With Arsenal and Liverpool still navigating the Champions League, Chelsea’s clear priorities could give them a crucial edge.
5. Squad Depth and Rotation
Chelsea’s depth is proving to be a major asset. While some rivals have struggled to rotate effectively, Maresca has utilized the UEFA Conference League to ensure his entire squad remains match-fit. Already this season, Chelsea have used 32 players, keeping fringe players like Joao Felix, Marc Guiu, and Christopher Nkunku ready to contribute. Together, they’ve scored 15 goals.
In contrast, other top teams are facing depth issues. Liverpool’s Wataru Endo has barely featured, while Arsenal’s Raheem Sterling hasn’t played in their last five games. Chelsea’s strategic use of their squad ensures they’re prepared for the inevitable challenges that come with a long campaign.
A Perfect Storm for Chelsea?
Chelsea’s remarkable resurgence, combined with the vulnerabilities of their rivals and the brilliance of Cole Palmer, creates a unique opportunity. Enzo Maresca’s side is young, hungry, and full of potential. The perfect storm is brewing at Stamford Bridge, and it’s starting to look like Chelsea could be on the verge of something special.
