What do Chelsea have to do to see their season viewed as a positive one? Very rarely in Antonio Conte’s reign have their fans had much to complain about, but that tide seemed to turn at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
A stalemate with Leicester was the Blues’ third successive goalless draw in a row in all competitions – an unfortunate club record.
At first glance, the scoreline would suggest a gallant effort by the mid-table Foxes, battling to cling onto a point against the champions. If anything, it was the other way round, especially prior to Ben Chilwell’s sending off.
Following up on last season’s waltz towards glory was always going to be nigh on impossible once Champions League football was on the agenda. Chelsea spent in the summer, yet the Manchester clubs seemed to spend better and secured their first-choice targets.
The last side to retain the Premier League title was Manchester United in 2008/09, so what did Abramovich expect? In short, he should have expected exactly what has ensued; Conte was embraced at first, that immediate success has started to wear off, and he could be entering the final few months of his time in London.
If he is to leave, it will be partly through his own wish to return home. However, something is slightly amiss in that Chelsea XI, and it could explain why they are struggling to score goals.
Hazard is the key man
Against Leicester, Conte’s decision to take off Eden Hazard was met with fury by some sections of the Bridge. The Belgian is now their most substituted player this season, having been taken off in 10 league games. By the hour mark, Chelsea were out of substitutions, and their most creative player was once again sitting back on the bench.
Hazard isn’t having a bad season. At least, this run of lacklustre form doesn’t compare remotely to the 2015/16 campaign. In fact, in all competitions, he has been named Man of the Match five times. He has scored six times in the Premier League, with 15 games left to play, compared to last season’s tally of 16.
Conte’s explanation for substituting the playmaker was that he looked fatigued, the same justification for withdrawing Cesc Fabregas, another creator. That didn’t stop him fielding them in the Carabao Cup against Arsenal, perhaps an indication that he is taking the semi-final seriously as a shot at silverware.
The Italian made no secret of the fact he thought the squad wasn’t big enough at the start of the season, though there are few indications he is going to be allowed to rectify the situation with a big-name signing this month.
Ultimately, Conte can’t risk overworking Hazard, but he can’t afford to keep taking him off either. It’s little wonder Alvaro Morata is having such difficulty finding the back of the net without Hazard firing on all cylinders; indeed, the striker has scored just twice in his last 10 appearances. The switch to 3-5-2 has in some ways meant Hazard has more freedom and in some matches, that has proved a deadly formula, in others not so much.
When it comes to the somewhat dubious statistic of assists, Hazard has two in the league; Kevin De Bruyne has nine, Riyad Mahrez seven, Christian Eriksen six, and Mesut Ozil five.
Contract talks
More than ever, it is essential that Hazard feels that he can play his best football at Chelsea. Real Madrid, by all accounts, continue to hover, as they do around Thibaut Courtois, too.
Hazard is yet to indicate that he will sign a new contract, further putting the pressure on the remainder of Chelsea’s season.
Top four is a long way off being sealed, with Tottenham breathing down the Blues’ necks and in great form, winning four of their last five – three of those by at least a three-goal margin. The other way of looking at it, of course, is that Chelsea are joint-second.
Conte simply has to ensure Hazard produces what he is capable of from now until May, as that could define how his managerial stint is remembered.
