A Blue Christmas: 2021-2022 Chelsea Mid Season Review
Chelsea Team Photo: Image from Sports Extral
Halfway through the 2021-2022 Chelsea season, we’ve been on a roller coaster ride. Sprits were high after a fantastic run during the second half of last season, ending in a Champions League victory. In order to stay on top, world class striker Romelu Lukaku was brought in from Inter Milan for his return, as well as Saul Niguez from Athletico Madrid. These signings helped the flying form continue into the new season, where Chelsea have sat atop the premier league table for a long stretch. However, this season has had some lows, both on and off the pitch. This mix of good and bad has set the Blues up for a scintillating second half of their season.
A Dream Start
This review will start off on a positive note, much like Chelsea did this season. Through the first four months Chelsea only lost twice, to Manchester City and Juventus. During this time, they handily beat London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham, proving that they were the class of the city. A 7-0 win vs Norwich where Mason Mount scored a hat trick was the highlight of this period. In November the Blues got revenge on Juventus, beating them convincingly 4-0, setting themselves up for a first-place finish in the group. November ended with a 1-1 draw against Manchester United, a result that left Chelsea sitting on top of the Premier League heading into the final month of the year.
Hakim Ziyech vs Juventus: Image by Marco Bertorello / AFP) via Getty Images
A Rough Start to Winter
December proved to be a rough month for Chelsea, as they dropped 9 points in the league. They collapsed against West Ham, surrendered leads to Everton and Brighton, and were unable to find a breakthrough against Wolves. Chelsea also conceded a 94th minute equalizer to Zenit in the Champions League, costing them first place in the group. January has furthered the disappointment in the league, as Chelsea started the new year with another draw vs Liverpool and another 1-0 loss vs City. From starting December on top of the league, Chelsea have fallen to 3rd place, 13 points back of the leaders City.
Kevin De Bruyne Sends Chelsea Down to 3rd: Image from Getty Images
Notable Performers
Chelsea have had multiple bright spots this season, starting from the very back with Edouard Mendy. The keeper has been a revelation for the Blue, providing the security in net that Kepa Arrizabalaga failed to as starter. The duo in defense of Thiago Silva and Antione Rudiger must be mentioned as well. They have held down the back line this season, and with the injuries to the wingbacks they have kept Chelsea somewhat afloat. The wingbacks Reece James, Ben Chillwell, and Marcos Alonso have pulled more than their weight in the attack, contributing to goals and assists almost every match. Unfortunately for Chelsea, Ben Chillwell and Reece James will be missing for most if not all of the remaining games. These are two massive losses and are forcing a look into the transfer market for cover. In attack, Mason Mount has been a lone bright spot, continuing his development this season with 7 goals and 5 assists in 19 league games.
Antonio Rudiger, Reece James, Mason Mount, and Romelu Lukaku: Images from Football London, Caught Offside, Getty Images, and PA Images/ Sipa USA
One player who is threatening to ruin the team’s chemistry is big money signing Romelu Lukaku. With only 7 goals and 0 assists so far this season, he has failed to live up to his hefty price tag. Adding onto this are his public comments about being unhappy at Chelsea and wanting to return to Inter Milan. In the days since he has stated that he is committed to Chelsea and will give his all for the club, but only time will tell if that holds true.
Looking Forward
The first half of Chelsea’s season has been disappointing. After ending last season in flying fashion culminating in a Champions League victory, expectations were set very high for the coming season. Up until December these expectations were being met, with Chelsea sitting in first place in both the league and the Champions League group. Then, with injuries and a packed schedule, the wheels came off. A month and a half later they sit 13 points back of the leaders Manchester City. While the league is appearing to be increasingly out of reach for the Blues, they have put themselves in a position to win some trophies this season. They are in the final of the EFL, waiting to play a young and streaky Arsenal team or a post AFCON replenished Liverpool. In the Champions League round of 16 they play Lille who sit 10th in League One, providing optimism that the quarter finals can be reached at a minimum. Their FA cup journey started off with a 5-1 win against outmatched Chesterfield. The 2nd half of the season will test the resolve of this team and determine whether the season can be considered a success.