Blues the surprise package

BOASTING arguably the best player in the Premier League in Eden Hazard and an unbeaten start under new coach Maurizio Sarri, Chelsea has emerged as a surprise challenger for the title ahead of its meeting with leaders Liverpool.

In a chaotic summer at Stamford Bridge, Sarri was only officially announced as Antonio Conte’s successor a month before the new season got under way.

Yet, rather than fall further behind after finishing sixth and 30 points adrift of Manchester City last season, Chelsea has stolen a march on Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal to nestle alongside City, just two points behind frontrunner Liverpool.

Sarri has repeatedly insisted his side can’t yet be compared to City or Liverpool in their third full seasons under Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp.

“We have started to work together 40 days ago, so for us I think it is a bit early,” the Italian said.

However, his transformation of Chelsea’s style from the cautious approach of Antonio Conte to a side that asphyxiates opponents by dominating possession has been so seamless, a title challenge can’t be ruled out.

“The biggest change I ever saw in such a short space of time. Wow. Style completely different. What a manager he is, to be honest,” said Klopp admiringly this week.