If the Premier League title was decided by the team that had the most success in the summer transfer window, then Chelsea would be crowned champions.
With the squad that Jose Mourinho has acquired, it would be a brave man that would bet against this being the final outcome.
Chelsea have evolved their squad during the summer, bringing in only a handful of big-name signings that will supplement their squad and charge for honours. The arrival of Cesc Fabregas, Diego Costa, Loic Remy and Felipe Luis has been achieved by moving other players on.
In the last 12 months former core players such as David Luiz and Juan Mata have left for huge sums, whilst Mourinho old guard players Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole will see out the twilight of their careers elsewhere.
There appears to be a vision and strategy in place for transfers in place at Chelsea at the moment and it is working, bringing a more methodical and consistent approach to recruitment.
It is a huge bonus that transfer deadline day was a non event for Chelsea fans. With all but a scrap of business tied up weeks before the window slammed shut, it was a relaxing time for the club and fans whilst rivals dithered and panicked.
The only minor wrinkle was having to act quickly after finally finding somewhere to offload Fernando Torres. The offload of the star-crossed striker led to swift action and the recruitment of Remy from London rivals QPR, a player that has proven Premier-League pedigree.
These deals and the inability of rivals to strengthen in the right areas made Chelsea the stand out contenders for the title before a ball was kicked. Costa has taken to the Premier League like a duck to water, Fabregas looks like he never left and there is an entertainment factor that fans and the owner crave.
It is defence rather than attack where the title will be one this season and Chelsea still have the best defence in the league. Gary Cahill and John Terry have a formidable partnership in the centre and new signing Luis has yet to get a game due to the power of Branislav Ivanovic and guile of Cesar Azpilicueta
Manchester City bought reasonable well and are the team to beat, but looking at the squads I would argue that Chelsea’s is more balanced offering stability and attacking flair in equal measure. Arsenal still have a lack of defensive options, Liverpool are gambling on Mario Balotelli to remain balanced, whilst Tottenham and Everton have yet to prove they are equipped to step up a level.
A perfect window for Chelsea fans and Mourinho’s team will take some catching.
Source: Metro UK
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