Project Restart: Chelsea are almost at the finish line

Hello everyone

I hope you're well. Sorry for the long absence. I've been thinking about how I'd write my first post since the Premier League resumed in June. So here it goes.

Chelsea have been playing quite well actually with wins over Aston Villa, Manchester City and Watford,the only blip being the defeat at West Ham which I'll get to in a moment. Lets not forget the FA Cup win at Leicester,which now means a semi-final tie with Manchester United on July 19.

So as I was watching Chelsea play, I've noticed how they've been attacking really well and showing grit to come back (against Villa and Manchester City) but the defence has been our weak spot under Frank Lampard. From his time at Derby County to his return at Stamford Bridge last July, his teams tend to attack well but struggle to keep clean sheets. The one against Watford at the weekend was only the second in 11 matches. Thats apalling for a team that wants to compete for titles next year. Liverpool corrected their defence hence winning the league by a huge margin. Man City were unfortunate with injuries and didnt replace Vincent Kompany therefore finishing second and possibly facing a 2 year ban from the UCL if the CSA upholds their decision. We will find out possibly next week monday.

Now back to the Blues. The defending against West Ham last week was terrible to say the least. The way set pieces were defended was poor and has me wondering what Frankie is telling the boys during training. Clearly the defence needs some improving and after acquiring Timo Werner from RB Leipzig and Hakim Ziyech from Ajax, its time to fix the defence. If Chelsea can get a strong defender like Kalidou Koullibally (the 2 Manchester clubs and Liverpool are also targetting him), Declan Rice ( he can play CB or DM but a better midfielder if you ask me), Pau Torres of Villareal and other CBs that have been linked to Chelsea.Basically someone who can play along Toni Rüdiger ,Tomori or even Zouma that would be great. I cant trust Christiansen as I feel that he's not physical enough for the PL but lets see what Lampard has planned for the transfer market.

A left back is also needed. With Marcos Alonso unable to defend unless in a back 3 and Emerson likely to leave, someone like Ben Chilwell or Nicolas Tagliafico would definitely improve the defence by a mile. Of course none of them will come cheap but its time to slowly phase out players like Cesar Azpilicueta in the next year or so. He's been a great servant since his arrival but he's no left back and isnt exactly a great crosser of the ball like Trent Alexander Arnold. Reece James should definitely play more next year.

The midfield is good but with injuries to Kanté and Kovacic,Lampard will have to choose between Billy Gilmour and Jorginho, who hasnt played a single minute since the restart to play the CM role. My bet suggests Gilmour as he's young, hungry and has looked good each time he played(Liverpool in the FA Cup and Everton in the league) but the Vice captain needs to show that he can be flexible as well despite not being a natural DM. Anyway cant wait to see the line up for today's match at Crystal Palace. Its a London derby,the Eagles are struggling so a win is vital in the Champions League race. 

I dont need to say much about the attack. Pulisic and Willian have definitely been the stand out players along with Giroud, Barkley & Mount and they'll be crucial next season. Looking at the potential attack I see goals being scored. Of course its probably the end for Michy Batshuayi and Pedro at Chelsea with the Spaniard likely to sign for AS Roma and still no appareance from the Belgian forward. His title winning goal in 2017 & goal against Ajax last year will live long in the memory of Chelsea fans but he's clearly not in Lampard's plans. He deserves better and with Tammy Abraham there as well he'll have to work hard to prove himself to the gaffer.

So after Crystal Palace today its Sheffield United, Norwich City, Liverpool and Wolves so this will go down to the wire. If the Blues come out unscathed from these 5 matches and our rivals drop points then UCL is guaranted for next year.

Thank you to all who continue to read my blog. Please share with your friends and lets talk football through social media.

Take care, stay safe and lets support the Blues from home

PS After seeing the new kits for next season, I'll admit I'm keen on buying the home kit for myself once it comes out this Thursday

PSS Here are the highlights in case you werent able to watch any of the matches