It’s less than three months since Chelsea were thrashed 3-0 at Arsenal.
A result which was supposed to confirm that Antonio Conte still had a long way to go actually ignited something at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues have looked a completely different side since.
That may be thanks to Conte’s famed 3-4-3 system, which he installed after that game at the Emirates. Whatever it is, though, Chelsea are not only getting results, but they’re playing exciting football too.
Fans will no doubt enjoy watching Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United grind out wins and draws, as gone are the days when the Portuguese had them parking the bus.
Under Conte, their football has been much more fast-paced, and opposition teams have simply struggled to contain them.
Part of the reason for that is that the Italian has them playing the ball on the deck, as it’s helped them to keep possession much more effectively.
In fact, Squawka have come up with the following stat:
Chelsea are the only side yet to score or concede a headed goal in the Premier League so far this season.
Keeping it on the deck. pic.twitter.com/GWeI4a8B2k
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) December 16, 2016
Conte must have noticed Chelsea’s defensive weaknesses when he took over, hence why his emphasis is now on keeping the ball and attacking.
And despite usually playing up front on his own, Diego Costa is managing perfectly well without aerial balls being played in. The Spain international is the Premier League’s joint top scorer, tied with Arsenal’s Alexis Sanchez on 12 goals.
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