Is Chelsea’s transfer plan working after all?

With a 3-0 away win against West Ham United, Chelsea FC managed to confirm their strong start to the new season. The Blues are in the top group of the Premier League with ten points from five games and a goal difference of 11:5. And this despite the Londoners making a mockery of themselves in the last transfer window.

The reason for this was the seemingly aimless purchase of a wide variety of talents, all of whom were given unusual long-term contracts. At one point, seven goalkeepers were in the squad of the English Premier League club. It was only as deadline day approached that the Chelsea bosses managed to rapidly thin out the squad.

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Well thought-out strategy instead of shopping spree?

Compared to the squads of other Premier League teams, Chelsea’s number of players is no longer relevant. The teams of Newcastle United, Brentford FC, Southampton FC, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Brighton & Hove Albion and Leicester City are just as well staffed or even more so.

Coach Enzo Maresca recently announced that the goal “For January and the coming summer” be, “Do fewer things, but in a more targeted way”This reinforced the initial impression that Chelsea had used a scattergun approach in the transfer market in the summer. Perhaps the strategy of those in charge was more well thought out than it appeared to be on the outside.

Jackson holds up the flag

In addition to the good start to the league, Chelsea also managed to qualify for the league phase of the UEFA Conference League. In general, the form curve is on the up. This is especially true for Nicolas Jackson, who scored twice against the Hammers today. The 23-year-old Senegalese has now scored four league goals in the first five games, as well as providing an assist.

The fact that Jackson has broken the deadlock is symbolic of Chelsea’s good start to the season. Last season, the powerful centre-forward had scored 14 league goals by the end of the season. If Chelsea want to attack at the top this season, they will have to rely on the accuracy of the number nine.