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Jurgen Klopp says that Chelsea are the favorites to win the Premier League. Mind games, of course.
If ever there was a transparent attempt to put pressure on the shoulders of young rivals, this is it.
What it does show, however, is that Klopp is concerned enough to mention to the team that, just before the Game of the Day credits rolled in on Saturday, he sat at the top of the table.
But is Klopp right? Sportsmail examines the makeup of Frank Lampard’s title contenders.
MANAGER
He doesn’t like criticism, yes Lampard. His coverage hurt after the 3-3 draw at home with Southampton in October, he mentioned it twice after this 3-1 win over Leeds, but Chelsea have won eight of 11 in all competitions since then, so maybe that pain serves as motivation for the boss.
Irritability aside, Lampard is erudite, passionate and, as is evident with each passing week, more tactically skilled than he is credited with.
Chelsea’s seven set-piece goals are a league record and, Lampard says, it’s an improvement he has instilled in his players in training.
They clearly like the manager too. And that counts for a lot, just look at Klopp.
Not losing is a good starting point and Chelsea have been beaten once all season. His next loss will be a test of Lampard’s title credentials. You won’t like it, but that’s not a bad thing.
IN THE BACK
Only the Spurs have conceded less than Chelsea’s 11 this season. Eliminate a couple of insane 3-3 draws with West Brom and Southampton, and they’ve easily been the division’s tightest bottom line.
Five clean sheets of his last eight in the Premier League is impressive, but also consider this: goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has conceded just four times in 13 games since arriving in September.
Another new signing, Thiago Silva, 36, has stood out in recent games. He’s done less than one tackle per game on average, but that’s because he doesn’t have to, so he’s shrewd in interpreting danger.
And then there is the death of the Brazilian. There was a ball against Leeds, thrown forward the first time 30 yards down the court to the feet of a teammate, which was akin to something from one of the game’s best playmakers.
To that end, Lampard’s defense is a big part of his attack, as evidenced by another assist from right-back Reece James as he laid down his first goal for Olivier Giroud, not to mention the fourth goal of the season for center-back Kurt Zouma.
A narrow three midfield and wide forwards that cut the frame have cleared the flanks for James and left back Ben Chilwell, and they need no invitation to use them.
So whether it’s the tough numbers or how easy Chelsea’s defense is to look at, this department has the appearance of being title ready.
GOING FORWARD
Before overlooking midfield, a few words about N’Golo Kante. He’s back to the level that brought Leicester to the title in 2016, so why can’t he inspire a more talented supporting cast to do the same?
But it is another World Cup winner who could emerge as the player who makes the difference. Giroud said he felt Lampard had left him ‘facing the wall’ after not being able to start a league game since July.
The French forward broke through the bricks last week with his four Champions League goals followed by a goal and a man of the match performance against Leeds.
Silva and Giroud may have a combined age of 70, but that could give Chelsea the cunning and experience they need to lead their young team to a title.
Teams that rack up goals are usually not very far away either, with Chelsea being the second top scorer.
VERDICT
Klopp is wrong. Chelsea are not favorites for the title. That is still Liverpool or Manchester City. But they are the team that should be causing that couple the most upset.
You only have to look at Klopp’s comments to realize that they have already accomplished a lot.
Source: m.allfootballapp.com
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