Chelsea have made a fairly solid start to life under Mourinho. A last minute Fernando Torres goal gave the Blues a 2-1 victory over Manchester City today and moved Chelsea into second place, two points behind Arsenal. But who can fire the Blues to the title?
Juan Mata
Juan Mata was a key component in the Chelsea side that won the Euro Cup last season but struggled to secure a place in Mourinho’s first team at the start of the season. With Mourinho citing that Mata didn’t understand the tactics he was trying to implement, many felt that was more to it. But he has convinced the ‘special one’ that he was worthy of a place in the team. But his last year stats show that anyway. 12 goals in 35 games with 12 assists and a further 83 chances created prove the worth he brings to this side and with Torres showing a bit of form in the last couple of games,he may be the chief beneficiary of an inform Mata.
Eden Hazard
Hazard’s first season at the club started in scintillating style but he fizzled out as the season wore on. Nevertheless he, alongside Mata and Oscar gave Chelsea that attacking edge that could create chances from all over the pitch. Nine goals and 11 assists in 34 games and 54 key passes show his importance to the side. His shooting ability is also a plus, knowing that a goal could come out of nowhere. With a whole season in the premiership under his belt, he will understand the physical side of the English game and that can only increase Chelsea’s chances.
Branislav Ivanovic
The versatile defender is a key component in Mourinho’s side. Full-back at heart, but also at home at centre-back, the Serbian is always a threat in the opposing box, as shown when scoring the winner in the Europa League final. Often is he seen marauding forward but also equally capable at the back, the Serb has become the most important member of the Chelsea back four and if he the others stay as reliable as him then Chelsea with all their attacking threat could finish top of the pile come the end of the season.