Before a ball had been kicked in anger, bookmakers had already made the Premier League title a two horse race. Man City were made clear favourites with Chelsea the side rated best to run the blue side of Manchester close.
Although in its early stages, there is certainly already no reason to doubt Chelsea’s claim to the title. The West London club announced their intentions in the summer by bringing back Romelu Lukaku. Chelsea paid Inter Milan a club record transfer fee of £97.5 million, and already that is looking a wise investment.
Lukaku off and running
The striker started for the first time this season in a Blue shirt and scored his first ever Chelsea goal a decade after his debut. Lukaku, was a teenager at Chelsea back in 2011 where he made just ten appearances in three seasons.
On Sunday his hold up and link play caused Arsenal problems all day. The Belgium was involved in the build-up and then finished the move from close range.
European Champions Chelsea have blossomed under Thomas Tuchel and are now a big force to be reckoned with. Since the arrival of the German in January Chelsea now look the real deal.
Last season Chelsea were crying out for a main goal scorer after Tino Werner failed to shine. That problem has now been rectified with the signing of Lukaku.
Big concern for Blues rivals
The main worry for Chelsea’s title rivals will be trying to find any weaknesses in this well drilled outfit. Their defence under Tuchal is virtually unbreachable. Midfielders N’Golo Kante and Jorginho were on the shortlist for the Uefa player of the year award.
With the outstanding Mason Mount and Kai Havertz supporting Lukaku up front then this side look destined for a title challenge.
The strength of Tucal’s squad was evident on Sunday’s London derby with a wealth of talent on the bench. Kante, Werner, Hudson-Odoi, Thiago Silva and Chilwell to name but five.
To run a side like Manchester City close this season you are going to need a big squad with talent. Chelsea tick the right boxes and with a striker in the name of Lukaku available at your disposal then the title could well be coming back to London.