After losing their first Premier League game against Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, has turned the season around, amassing 13 points out of possible 15 points and remaining unbeaten in those matches.
The Blues are currently fourth in the Premier League, just two points behind leaders Liverpool, who are 15 points, and one point off second and third place Manchester City and Arsenal, both on 14 points.
Chelsea finished 6th and 12th in the previous two seasons, and it will be a huge step under the new administration if they finish in the top four this season.
Despite having a young and experienced squad, some things result in inconsistent performances and avoidable mistakes on the pitch. With Cole Palmer leading the charge under the guidelines of Enzo Maresca for Chelsea, the Blues are on a course to return to Champions League football next season.
Chelsea legend and former manager Frank Lampard believes his former side is on course to finish in the top four this season.
Chelsea celebrating against Wolves.
What did Frank Lampard say about Chelsea’s chances of finishing in the top four?
Frank Lampard said on TNTNT Sports Mexico: “They’re young, that’s a fact, and with a young team, it’s not always easy to have great consistency.
“Maybe to win things [with young players], it’s not always easy. But it’s a strategy that Chelsea have taken.
“At the moment and the start of the season they’ve had now, it feels like they are going in the right direction. There is lots of young talent, especially in forward areas. There are lots of options to change in-game or change and stay fresh.
“After two or three years of being in a transition and a difficult time, change of ownership, change of managers, change of players and the squad… there’s a lot of new faces and players… it’s understandable that they haven’t competed.
“But I do feel now that they’re in a good position to challenge for top four again, to be where Chelsea expect to be.”
On the potential Premier League winner this season, Frank Lampard revealed Arsenal and Liverpool have the squad to break Manchester City’s monopoly over the Premier League.
Lampard assesses Arsenal’s chances of winning the Premier League: “They brought in lots of players, and their squad is really strong in all areas.
“They can take one out, bring one in and they have a lot of options there.
“They have taken City close for the last two seasons so you have to say Arsenal are in the conversation to compete with City.
“I think Liverpool again but maybe it’s more difficult for them because of the change of manager and because Jurgen Klopp was so distinct in his style.
“The change for Liverpool might be difficult but I still think they have a really good squad and the new manager has started well.”
Arsenal celebrating Trossard goal against Wolves
On the team he wished could mount a strong title challenge, Lamapard continued: “Those are the teams I would expect to compete again, but the beauty of the Premier League is you have teams like Aston Villa, teams like Brighton and Newcastle, who are all improving.
“‘Their squads are stronger than ever, good coaches, so there are always surprises in the Premier League.
“I think Aston Villa are a great example of that with what they have done in the last two or three seasons.”