It has been a season to forget so far for Chelsea supporters. When Mauricio Pochettino was named as new Chelsea boss in May 2023, there was a belief that this would inject some much needed confidence and stability into the club after a turbulent few months under Potter and Lampard. It was said that this “young and talented squad would appear to suit the manager”. A young, energetic squad would be guided and coached into a side that could once again challenge at the top of the Premier League.
This would soon be dismissed by the second weekend of the 23/24 Premier League season. A 3-1 loss to ten man West Ham at the London Stadium was the first sign that this side still had a long road ahead of them. Since that opening loss of the campaign, Chelsea’s Premier League record is currently 8 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses. It’s been more than disappointing for this new management and hierarchy. After the Blues’ recent loss to Wolves, Pochettino agreed that his side have “too many things” to improve on ahead the second half of the season. In a nervy win at Kenilworth Road, Chelsea looked uncomfortable against a passionate Luton Town. Even at 3-0, the Blues showed cracks in the team and were fortunate to escape with a 3-2 win. Signs are showing that huge improvement is needed. So where can Chelsea aim to strengthen and strive for at the beginning of 2024?
January Signings
It’s no mystery that Chelsea require a goal scorer. Nicolas Jackson has struggled in front of goal for the Blues’ in recent games. Although, the Senegalese striker has 7 goals already this season, he has missed an incredible amount of chances. The two current strikers that Chelsea have are Jackson and Armando Broja. Between the pair this season, they have a total of 8 goals. The introduction of Christopher Nkunku into the side after a long absence through injury has boosted the forward line but Chelsea still require a forward that can score goals regularly. The most obvious choices would be Victor Osimhen or Ivan Toney, however, Chelsea would have to break the bank again to land one of these players. With Jackson missing due to the African Cup of Nations, a striker is priority for Chelsea.
Santiago Giménez for Feyenoord has an incredible record in front of goal in 2023. 26 Goals and an xG of 19.54 highlights the potential quality the Mexican forward has. Costing Feyenoord only €6 million in July 2022, the 22 year old striker could be the man to go after in January.
A Consistent Starting XI
Chelsea’s have started the same starting eleven just once in the Premier League this season. In 20 league games so far, Pochettino has changed his side 19 times. The inconsistency of performances could be put down to the fact that this team has been changed for each game, bar one. Thinking back to the eras of Conte and Mourinho, there was hardly ever a change in the sides that powered on to claim Premier League titles. How can a team learn to play together if there are constant changes in the team each week?
It can be said that Pochettino has been very unlucky with injuries to his side this season, and there have been a few issues with suspensions that have impacted the team. But Chelsea need to start having consistent results and this can only start with a consistent starting eleven and figuring out what is their best team.
Fear Factor
Stamford Bridge used to be a feared fortress. Teams would arrive and almost expect to be suffering from the first minute. That fear factor has vanished and it’s an issue that this Chelsea team needs rectified. Currently, Chelsea’s home record of the 23/24 season stands at 4 wins, 3 draws, and 3 losses. This team have dropped their incredibly high standards and have lost 19 league games in 2023. Incredible reading for a team, who in 2022 under Thomas Tuchel, were the holders of the Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.
That seems like a life time ago for Chelsea fans but the bottom line is that clubs don’t fear this Chelsea team anymore. Chelsea’s home record is abysmal and with the fans around the Bridge demanding excellence and desire, it only adds to the pressure this team is feeling. The introduction of Alfie Gilchrist against Crystal Palace brought back some nostalgic moments of the sides who have dominated teams that came to SW6. That one moment of a hard hit late in the game brought a sense of passion and relief for Chelsea fans, that some of these players may still have that desire to put a body on the line and bring back that fear factor for Chelsea again.
Cup Competitions
Chelsea have the League Cup semi-final versus Middlesbrough to look ahead to in the coming weeks. Although it is a Premier League v Championship match up, it will still be a tricky one for Pochettino’s inconsistent side. Chelsea’s record against Middlesbrough is positive having beaten them 20 times in 30 games. A win against Middlesbrough, over two legs, sets up all Premier League Final versus either Liverpool or Fulham. Presuming Liverpool’s league form continues into these ties, it could be a repeat of the 2022 final. Chelsea would be underdogs but this trip to Wembley could still give some much needed confidence for the Blues ahead of the remainder of the season.
With the FA Cup starting this weekend, there is another chance that Chelsea could pick up some much needed silverware this season. A home tie against Preston North End kick starts the Blues road to FA Cup glory, looking to add the 8 titles the club has already. With no European football to play and the Premier League out of reach, the League Cup and FA Cup could be some silverware for Pochettino to target and try to build a team to work with ahead of the 24/25 season.
The worst year for Chelsea in their Premier League history is over. Is there optimism ahead for this team in 2024? Absolutely as it can only get better from here. It’s is not all doom and gloom for Blues fans as they have ended the year with two wins in the league and there is some signs of improvement. Some quality signings this month as well as an appearance at Wembley could light a much needed spark for Pochettino’s men. Time will tell, but January will be a big month for Chelsea Football Club.
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