Analyzing the Premier League’s top four offenses
By Gary Pearson
2. Chelsea
Eden Hazard is arguably even more influential than Diego Costa. The two of them in combination spell disaster for every opponent. Chelsea are blowing teams away. Since receiving a 3-0 spanking at the hands of Arsenal in late September, Chelsea have outscored their opponents 18-1. That includes 3-0, 4-0 and 5-0 wins against Leicester, Manchester United and Everton, respectively.
Hazard has seven goals from his advanced midfield position, while Costa sits atop the goal-scoring chart with nine. The terrifying duo have scored 16 of Chelsea’s 26 goals. But let’s not forget about the third member of the Blues’ triumvirate.
Pedro, who has five assists, is one of the best setup men in the league at the moment. And then there’s Nemanja Matic, who also has five assists, a tally made more impressive by the fact he’s a holding midfielder. Pedro and Matic are level with Philippe Coutinho and Adam Lallana for second most assists in the Premier League.
N’Golo Kante also deserves a lot of credit for protecting the back three remarkably well, thereby freeing Pedro, Hazard and, to some extent, Matic to go forward at will.
The logical trend continues when it comes to completed passes. Chelsea have the fourth most (5,956) completed passes and have scored 23 goals from inside the box.
Antonio Conte has employed his 3-4-3 formation to perfection. Having only three cemented at the back has also afforded his creative players the freedom to do what they’re paid for. Even with an offensive formation, Chelsea have the confidence to maintain possession at all costs. They play the ball backwards fourth most in the Premier League.