Steve Nicol and Shaka Hislop have shared their thoughts on why Chelsea has become “a lot of fun” to watch this season under new manager Enzo Maresca, especially following their recent victory against Gent.
In football, each season often brings unexpected developments. Leicester City’s extraordinary 5000-1 title win in the 2015-16 season stands out among surprises, as do Aston Villa’s surprising top-four finish last season and Manchester United’s unexpected negative goal difference.
This season, Chelsea has emerged as a team to watch closely. Initially viewed by many as a club in chaos with an overzealous transfer strategy, Chelsea has transformed under Maresca, climbing to fourth place with three consecutive wins. Cole Palmer has been a standout performer, notably scoring four goals in the first half against Brighton, while the team leads the league in scoring with 15 goals. Midfielder Moisés Caicedo is also beginning to showcase his potential, justifying the hefty investment made by the club.
Fulham, Chelsea’s London rivals, are also catching attention. After a 3-1 victory over Newcastle, they continued their momentum by defeating Nottingham Forest, which placed them in sixth position—a remarkable feat. Fulham boasts a strong defensive record, allowing only five goals in six matches. Raúl Jiménez’s return to form is a compelling narrative, as the Mexican striker, who struggled for years after a severe injury, has netted three goals in three games, thanks to manager Marco Silva’s support.
Despite the challenges faced by promoted teams—Leicester, Ipswich, and Southampton—each has the potential to surprise naysayers. Ipswich’s performance in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa highlighted their competitiveness, with young striker Liam Delap impressively scoring both goals. Their earlier matches against Liverpool and Manchester City were tough, yet they have secured draws against established teams, indicating resilience at this level.
Leicester City has struggled defensively but remains competitive, scoring in every match. Jamie Vardy still shows signs of his former prowess, while players like Harry Winks and Wilfred Ndidi add valuable experience. Southampton’s struggles led to questions about their character and playing style, though young talent Tyler Dibling has emerged as a bright spot.
On the flip side, certain teams may find themselves unexpectedly fighting for survival. Wolves have the highest number of goals conceded this season and must find their footing quickly. Crystal Palace, unexpectedly in the relegation zone, is not performing as anticipated, despite a talented squad. Similarly, West Ham has struggled to find consistent form despite having high-quality players.
Several young players could also make an impact this season, including Arsenal’s promising Ethan Nwaneri and Villa’s versatile striker Jhon Durán. Brighton’s Jack Hinshelwood and Nottingham Forest’s Nikola Milenkovic have also showcased their skills effectively.
The ongoing difficulties for Manchester United under Erik ten Hag are not surprising; recent performances have raised concerns about the team’s direction. Meanwhile, Manchester City faces its own questions, particularly regarding the absence of Phil Foden from the starting lineup.
Liverpool is currently at the top of the table, experiencing a seamless transition from Jurgen Klopp to Arne Slot, and are quietly gaining momentum while competing with Manchester City and Arsenal.