Share this @internewscast.com

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

<!–

It is ominous that Manchester City are already sitting at the Premier League summit, having waited until last season’s run-in to reclaim the position they see as their rightful territory. 

City are where Sunday’s opponents Chelsea desperately want to be. Instead, all they have to show for Todd Boehly’s tenure is a £1billion bill on player purchases, four different managers and zero sign of being involved in this season’s title race. 

Yet having studied Chelsea this week, I see the makings of a good team forming under Mauricio Pochettino, despite this club’s fall from grace. They haven’t had the best luck with injuries – six currently sidelined with £58million Romeo Lavia still awaiting his debut – but the XI that beat Tottenham on Monday is stacked with talent. 

Conor Gallagher is playing in his rightful position at No 10 – precisely where he flourished on loan at Crystal Palace – particularly as Pochettino likes to play a very high pressing game. 

Chelsea are starting to show signs of being a good team under Mauricio Pochettino this season after a slow start

Chelsea are starting to show signs of being a good team under Mauricio Pochettino this season after a slow start

Chelsea are starting to show signs of being a good team under Mauricio Pochettino this season after a slow start

Enzo Fernandez could be a mainstay in Chelsea's midfield for a number of years

Enzo Fernandez could be a mainstay in Chelsea's midfield for a number of years

He could form a good partnership with Moises Caicedo (pictured) in the team

He could form a good partnership with Moises Caicedo (pictured) in the team

Enzo Fernandez (left) and Moises Caicedo (right) could form a solid midfield partnership for a number of years for Chelsea

Midfielder Conor Gallagher has been thriving at No 10 for the Blues in Pochettino's high-pressing game

Midfielder Conor Gallagher has been thriving at No 10 for the Blues in Pochettino's high-pressing game

Midfielder Conor Gallagher has been thriving at No 10 for the Blues in Pochettino’s high-pressing game

Gallagher relentlessly runs from midfield to join the front three of Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling in closing down opposition defenders. He does that so well that nobody in the Premier League has regained possession in the final third more than him this season. 

Palmer has settled quicker than any of Chelsea’s other signings since leaving City. He is polished in his passing and suits being a left-footer on the right, moving into central areas so he can play the through-balls into Jackson and Sterling. 

Jackson and Sterling struggled with the timing of their runs against Tottenham but both can be devastating when they get it right. In the end, that was how Jackson secured his confidence-boosting hat-trick. 

I believe Sterling is much more dangerous when running without the ball than with it. Under Pep Guardiola at City, he was effective when playing on the left and making those give-and-go runs into the space behind the opponents’ back line. Mohammed Salah, on 147, is the only current Premier League player with more goals than Sterling’s 118. 

He is still only 28 years old and, like Palmer, will be fired up to face his old club on Sunday. Having lost John Stones to injury, City will hope Manuel Akanji passes his late fitness test. Akanji is a quick and mobile defender who rarely gets beaten for pace and if Chelsea target their opponents on the counter, he and Kyle Walker can work together to negate Sterling and Jackson’s bursts in behind. 

Pochettino is one of the Premier League’s more patient managers. He doesn’t like to chop and change his team, instead trusting a core group to come good. At Chelsea, he has the talented individuals at his disposal. 

Now they need to continue to gel. It will not be easy against City. It never is. But if Chelsea’s fans are to believe that win over Tottenham was a true turning point in their season, there is no better game to follow that up than by beating the formidable table toppers City. 

Pochettino is one of the league's more patient managers but will face a major test against champions City

Pochettino is one of the league's more patient managers but will face a major test against champions City

Pochettino is one of the league’s more patient managers but will face a major test against champions City

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football, launching with a preview show today and every week this season.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube , Apple Music and Spotify

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Transfer Update: Bhoys Profit from Kuhn’s Departure as Winger Prepares for Como Transfer

CELTIC winger Nicolas Kuhn is on the brink of confirming his Parkhead…

Mark Clattenburg Demands Tougher Penalties for Divers in New Mail Podcast, Criticizes Premier League Stars for ‘Cheating’

Former referee Mark Clattenburg has called for more players to be sent…

Yoane Wissa aims to exit Brentford in a historic move to another Premier League team

Yoane Wissa is pushing to leave Brentford this summer, talkSPORT understands. The…

Retired Footballer Completes 37-Hour Fitness Challenge to Honor Late Teammate Joe Thompson, Dies at 36

As the self-doubt started to bleed into Simon Ramsden’s thoughts, his legs…

Meet Diego Leon: At 18, This Youngest of Nine from Rural Paraguay’s Humble Beginnings Joins Manchester United as a £7M Rising Star

Manchester United’s search to bolster their options at left back has taken…

AC Milan Unveils Striking 2025/26 Away Kit Featuring Classic Devil Logo

AC Milan has officially revealed their away kit for the 2025/26 season,…

Joao Pedro Geared Up for Clash: Chelsea Faces Fluminense in Club World Cup Semi-Final with Iconic Boxing Announcer in Attendance

It is believed FIFA have hired Michael Buffer — the legendary ring…

Barcelona Reveals Impressive New Home Kit for Camp Nou Comeback

Barcelona are preparing to make their much-anticipated return to the legendary –…

Shannon Sharpe’s Sexual Assault Accuser Left Without Legal Representation at Initial $50M Lawsuit Hearing

The initial hearing for Shannon Sharpe’s sexual assault lawsuit in Nevada faced…

England U-21s triumphantly celebrate their European Championship victory

England’s Under-21 team celebrated in grand fashion after successfully defending their European…

Rio Ferdinand’s 18-year-old son enters Premier League’s ‘nepo-baby’ ranks by inking first pro deal with top-performing team

Rio Ferdinand’s son Lorenz has become the latest in the expanding lineup…