The fate of the Premier League title has gone from one of Chelsea's top priorities this season to a bit of an afterthought. Not only due to a poor run of form over Christmas that saw Thomas Tuchel's side drop from the summit to a concerning 13 points behind Manchester City in mid-January. But also due to the very serious crisis facing the club after the sanctions imposed on Roman Abramovich.
Though after a run of five straight league wins, three of those coming across the last week, the Blues look in a very healthy position to claim third place and Champions League qualification for next season. What is probably more intriguing is the prospect of closing the gap to Manchester City before the end of this season.
After City's 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace on Monday night, Chelsea now have the chance with their game in hand to close the current gap of 11 down to eight should they beat Arsenal. Patrick Vieira has done a few favours for Chelsea this season, beating City in the reverse fixture back in October and helping to get the best out of Conor Gallagher.
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Although the aim in August was to compete for the title with City and Liverpool, the gap of 19 points at the end of last season to Pep Guardiola's champions was always going to be a steep challenge to close within nine months. Shortening that gap which threatened to remain in January when Chelsea were beaten at the Etihad would be a positive boost heading into a challenging summer.
The looming concern over Chelsea's ownership has thrown all future plans up in the air, so even thinking about a title challenge next season feels naive given how precarious things are at Stamford Bridge. But a new owner would be boosted by a squad in a healthy place with some of the continent's best young talent.
An eight-point gap would be another sign of Tuchel's progress since taking the role in January 2021 and should Chelsea be able to remain competitive under the next owner, the building blocks are there for a title-winning team. Chelsea technically have two games in hand. Both are at home, with one against Arsenal that was moved due to the FIFA Club World Cup and the other against Leicester, moved due to the Carabao Cup final.
Tuchel has been aided with a favourable fixture list as we enter spring. Beating Burnley, Norwich and Newcastle in the last three with Brentford, Southampton and Leeds still to come after the international break offers a window of opportunity. While more existential issues face Chelsea at the moment, the escapism of Premier League matters and even wilder dreams of a late title surge are helping to lighten the mood among supporters.
