We take a look at some of the major stories doing the rounds regarding Premier League side Chelsea FC.
Pedro Reveals Training Secrets
Since the introduction of Antonio Conte’s 3-4-3 system, Chelsea have gone on a historic run of 11 consecutive Premier League victories. In that time, they have scored 25 goals and conceded only 2 and now sit atop the Premier League, 6 points clear of their nearest rivals.
Speaking to the London Standard, the 30-year-old credited these victories to the hard work they put in training: “It’s the daily work we put in during training that is helping to bring the best form from us and we’ve grown in confidence, both mentally and physically.”
Pedro has been only one of the players to benefit from this new formation and the Spaniard has managed to establish himself as a first team regular this season. He has scored 3 goals and registered 5 assists in a mere 15 Premier League appearances this term.
He said that it was the reason for their winning streak and that they trained hard on both tactics and physicality, but also that they worked a lot on the ball, and bringing the ball out. The former Barcelona man believes that this has enabled his side to get better and work better as a team.
The last time Chelsea won by scoring more than 1 goal was against Manchester City earlier this month. Since that victory, they have only won their matches by narrow 1 goal margins against the likes of Spurs, West Brom, Crystal Palace and Sunderland.
He went on to say that opposition were beginning to adapt to their style of play: “What’s interesting is that other teams are now using that system as well and they’re adapting to the way we’re playing and changing their system accordingly. The new challenge for us is to keep overcoming that.”
Alex Kiwomya Loving Life On Loan
Since signing with the Railwaymen on a 6-month loan deal, the 20-year-old has been in superb form for League 2 side Crewe Alexandra and has managed to nail down a starting spot in Steve Davis’ side. He has scored 7 goals and registered 4 assists in 16 League appearances.
Speaking to the Crewe Chronicle regarding a possible extension with the club, he said: “Really it’s down to Crewe now, I know that Steve (Davis) has spoken to Chelsea and they’ve said a couple of things, so the ball is in Crewe’s court now – it’s the club’s choice.”
Kiwomya has started 13 league games this season and he insisted that he faced a tough choice ahead of him, because he doesn’t want to go to a place where he would have to sit on the bench and not be involved.
He credited manager Steve Davis for his development this season and getting the best out of him, before adding: “I’m pleased with the amount of goals and assists I’ve contributed. Hopefully I do stay and I can help to get a lot more to help us get into the play-offs and hopefully get promotion at the end of the season.”
Gary Cahill Chasing Arsenal Record
Chelsea are well on their way to equal and possibly break Arsenal’s 13-game winning streak in the Premier League which was set back in the 2001/02 season. The Gunners went on to win the title that season and Chelsea are now favourites to do the same.
Stand-in captain Gary Cahill said in a recent interview with Sky Sports that even though nobody in the dressing room really spoke about it, he and the rest of his Chelsea teammates were aware of the record and insisted that they wanted it and had the motivation to get it.
Victories against Bournemouth and Stoke would see them equal the record set by the Gunners: “We’re aware of it and the Boxing Day game is a chance for us to do that, which should add extra incentive,” he said. “We want the three points badly and we want the record.”
Cahill has had a fine season under Antonio Conte and is a part of the best defence in the English top flight at the moment, and the Englishman insisted that he and his side were extremely motivated for tonight’s clash against Bournemouth. “I’ll speak for myself, I want the record,” he said. “Why would you not? There’s three points and a record to go for. If you’re asking me if I’m going to be motivated for that game, I think we’re all in the same boat.”
