Chelsea sit seventh in the Premier League table over the second international break of the season.
A win against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge has lifted everyone’s spirits, especially after doing so in dramatic fashion late on. It was just what Blues head coach Enzo Maresca needed after back-to-back league defeats.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 6 |  Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 12 |
| 7 |  ChelseaChelsea | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 11 |
| 8 |  EvertonEverton | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 11 |
Even though it has been a mixed bag of results so far for Maresca’s side, they have something to build on. Chelsea’s target is another top-four finish in England’s top division this term, which we would expect with this talented young group.
We’ve taken a look at five reasons for Chelsea fans to be optimistic about what lies ahead in this Premier League season…
Chelsea beat the best team in the country and can match anyone
Even though it was only one match, Chelsea should be looking to use their win against reigning champions Liverpool to kick on. Hopefully, they can harness the positive feeling and use it after the international break.
Several Chelsea players shone against Liverpool, where they fully deserved a winner in stoppage time.
The truth is that they have the outstanding players to compete with any side in the division. However, can they do that over an entire 38-game season?
If Maresca’s team can kick into some kind of rhythm, we’re confident they can put together a really strong run of results. In particular, the Chelsea boss appears to enjoy the tactical battles against the other top managers in this league.
Enzo Maresca has obvious strength in depth
Chelsea’s injury list has been pretty brutal in the opening months of the season. Even so, the two times they have lost have come after red cards.
It has been frustrating that Cole Palmer has only played in three of the opening seven league matches. The importance of losing Levi Colwill to an ACL injury over the summer can’t be overstated either.
When you look at Chelsea’s XI without all their injured players against Liverpool, it was still very strong. However, they are going to need the depth in the squad when it comes to navigating domestic and European commitments as the season progresses.
Moises Caicedo & Marc Cucurella are not slowing down
Along with Cole Palmer, Chelsea stars Moises Caicedo and Marc Cucurella were probably the best performers at Stamford Bridge in the 2024-25 campaign.
Based on the opening seven gameweeks, Caicedo and Cucurella are maintaining their incredibly high form. We would actually rate them as the strongest in their respective positions across the entire league right now.
Caicedo, who scored a stunning goal against Liverpool, has netted three times already this season from central midfield. It is frightening to think the 23-year-old star could yet become even better.
As for Cucurella, the 27-year-old left-back has been the definition of consistency for about 18 months now, offering so much both defensively and offensively.
Chelsea are dominating possession
It is encouraging to see that the Blues are dominating large spells of the football in their matches. In fact, they have the second highest possession stat so far in the league this season.
| Club | Average possession |
| Liverpool | 61.9% |
| Chelsea | 60.2% |
| Arsenal | 58.0% |
| Aston Villa | 57.3% |
| Manchester City | 57.2% |
While we think they could be a little bit more direct at times in the final third, it is impressive to see Maresca’s players fully buying into his philosophy.
The crop of defenders at the club are very comfortable on the ball, while the midfield speaks for itself. If Romeo Lavia can stay fit, we expect to see the possession stats rise, if anything.
Estevao Willian looks ready to light up Stamford Bridge
Estevao Willian, 18, could be ready to light up the Premier League during the rest of the season. At least that is what it looks like.
It was the Brazilian right-winger who scored the memorable winner against Liverpool, which was his first competitive goal for his new club.
Chelsea supporters already adore the teenage talent because he plays with a confidence and ability that is very rare in someone his age. If anybody can step up with a piece of magic during the absence of Palmer, it feels like he may be the most likely.
We understand why Maresca has been slowly integrating him as he adapts to life in his new home, but once he releases the handbrake and starts him every week, it will be bad news for opposition teams.
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