Are people underestimating Chelsea this season?

Yesterday’s game between Liverpool and champions Manchester City finished in a surprising goalless draw. After the two teams recent meetings, it was the last result most observers expected.

While the draw will devastate neither side, the winners of the day were Chelsea. The Blues are currently second place in the table after a 3-0 win at Southampton. Maurizio Sarri’s side are only behind leaders City courtesy of inferior goal difference.

Quietly going about their business

While Chelsea are near the top of the table, I have hardly heard about talk about Sarri’s teams start to the season. Considering the fact the Blues hardly strengthened their squad in the summer, they are doing extremely well at the minute.

Last season the team south west London finished fifth-place, as Antonio Conte became the latest Blues boss to make an unhappy exit from the hot seat.

His replacement and compatriot Sarri is one of football management’s thinkers, a shrewd tactician, who came close to ending Juventus’ vice-like grip on Italian football when in charge of Napoli.

Sarri is known in Italian as a rather fire-brand boss, who does not mince his words. However, so far we have seen little of his temperamental side. Maybe that will be reserved for when things are not going so well at Stamford Bridge.

Players in form

A number of Chelsea players seem to be happier under Sarri than Conte. However, that has been said before of Chelsea bosses, it does not usually last long, usually until their second or third year in charge.

The player who has shown obvious improvement in form is Belgian star, Eden Hazard. For so long, Hazard has looked like a superstar in waiting. However, he has kept everybody waiting until the last few months.

The former Lille winger was outstanding at the World Cup. Under Sarri, though, he looks set to reach a new level. Hazard has now scored seven times and produced three assists this season.

In fact, there has only been one top-flight game this season where he has not provided a goal or an assist, which was in a goalless draw against West Ham. Not sure how Sarri is getting the best out of Hazard, but he is somehow. At his best, the Belgian international is a joy to watch.

Another player who seems to be thriving under the Italian boss is Ross Barkley. The former Everton player was almost a forgotten man when Sarri arrived. Barkley had joined the Blues from the Toffees back in January.

However, due to injuries, he struggled to make an impact under Conte. Against Southampton, Barkley rediscovered the sort of form that made him one of the brightest young prospects in the English game during his time on Merseyside.

Although Barkley has struggled for regular first-team minutes, he is showing positive signs of reviving his flagging career. The playmaker has even one enough to earn a recall to the England squad.

Chelsea definitely title contenders

While Sky sports would have you believe that Liverpool are Manchester City’s main title rivals, Chelsea will be happy to quietly continue to picking up points and winning games. I doubt anybody connected with the London club will care if they are talked up as contenders.

However, the Blues odds of 9/1 to win the Premier League title seem to cast doubt over Sarri’s side becoming champions. Liverpool have made a bright start to their league campaign.

Jurgen Klopp’s side has looked tired in recent games, though, and the season has just started. The title race will be a marathon and not a sprint. While Liverpool and City look at each other as their main rivals, Chelsea could just upset the applecart and win their third Premier League title in five years.

Are people underestimating Chelsea this season?