Chelsea’s 2023 campaign in the Premier League has been nothing short of disastrous. With their recent 2-0 loss to Everton, it marked their seventh defeat of the season, sending them tumbling into the bottom half of the table. It’s a far cry from the success they’ve enjoyed in the past, and Mauricio Pochettino, their third manager of the year, has called for reinforcements in the upcoming January transfer window.
Despite owner Todd Boehly’s staggering investment of nearly £1 billion, the Blues have struggled to find their footing this year. Their 18 league defeats in 2023 are a testament to their struggles, and they’ve managed to collect just 39 points, making them one of the lowest-performing teams in the top flight this calendar year.
Pochettino, who took the reins in the summer, is tasked with turning Chelsea’s fortunes around after succeeding interim manager Frank Lampard and Graham Potter. Boehly’s massive spending spree, including £288 million worth of transfers in January and over £380 million in the summer, hasn’t yielded the expected results.
Despite the financial outlay, Pochettino remains open to further strengthening the squad in January, acknowledging the need to address their shortcomings. As the year draws to a close, Chelsea has only four more games remaining in the calendar, facing Sheffield United, Wolves, Crystal Palace, and Luton Town, with hopes of improving their stats before 2024.
Their woes aren’t limited to just points and defeats; Chelsea’s goal-scoring woes have been well-documented. With their £52 million striker Christopher Nkunku injured in pre-season, they’ve struggled with a shot conversion rate of 8.49%, the second lowest in the league. In contrast, reigning champions Manchester City have a conversion rate of 15.66%.
Creating chances hasn’t been the problem, as Chelsea ranks sixth in expected goals, but they’ve only managed to score 45 goals, the sixth worst tally in the division. The gap between their actual goals and expected goals (-18.2 goals) is second only to Manchester United (-19).
The summer saw Chelsea make substantial investments, including the £100 million signing of midfielder Moises Caicedo, potentially rising to a British club record of £115 million. This comes after they already held the British record with the £107 million acquisition of Enzo Fernandez in January. While they brought in 12 players during the summer, high-profile departures offset their additions.
Former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin believes it will take at least two years for these young talents to bear fruit. However, there’s an element of uncertainty regarding which of these promising youngsters will develop into top Premier League players.
In the midst of this turbulence, Mauricio Pochettino faces a daunting task. While he’s shown flashes of promise, the team’s inconsistency and lack of cohesion have been apparent. It remains to be seen if his call for more transfers in January will be met with approval, given the substantial investment Chelsea has already made.
As Chelsea navigates through these trying times, patience from the board and fans will be crucial. Pochettino’s upcoming fixtures against Sheffield United and Newcastle United will serve as significant tests of his ability to turn the tide for the Blues in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chelsea 2023 Premier League
Q: Why has Chelsea’s 2023 season in the Premier League been described as awful?
A: Chelsea’s 2023 season has been labeled as awful due to their poor performance, with seven defeats, dropping into the bottom half of the table, and a call for new signings in January despite significant prior investments.
Q: How many league defeats has Chelsea suffered in 2023?
A: Chelsea has suffered 18 league defeats in the 2023 calendar year.
Q: Who is Chelsea’s current manager in 2023?
A: Mauricio Pochettino is Chelsea’s manager in 2023, succeeding interim manager Frank Lampard and Graham Potter.
Q: How much money has owner Todd Boehly invested in Chelsea?
A: Todd Boehly has spent close to £1 billion on Chelsea since taking ownership, with substantial expenditures on transfers.
Q: What are some of Chelsea’s statistical woes in 2023?
A: Chelsea has struggled with a low shot conversion rate, a gap between actual goals and expected goals, and a below-average goal tally compared to other Premier League teams.
Q: How many players did Chelsea bring in during the summer transfer window?
A: Chelsea brought in 12 players during the summer transfer window.
Q: What is the opinion of former Chelsea winger Pat Nevin regarding the club’s young talents?
A: Pat Nevin believes it will take at least two years for Chelsea’s young talents to show their potential, with uncertainty about which of them will develop into top Premier League players.
Q: Who are Chelsea’s upcoming opponents as they aim to improve their 2023 stats?
A: Chelsea’s remaining fixtures in 2023 include matches against Sheffield United, Wolves, Crystal Palace, and Luton Town.
More about Chelsea 2023 Premier League
- Chelsea FC Official Website
- Premier League Official Website
- Mauricio Pochettino – Wikipedia
- Todd Boehly – Chelsea Owner
- 2023 Premier League Season Overview
- Chelsea’s 2023 Transfer Activity
- Shot Conversion Rate in Football
- Expected Goals (xG) in Football
- Pat Nevin’s Views on Chelsea’s Young Players
3 comments
12 players in summer, big money. But results? Not so much. Booming transfer market.
7 L’s & ⬇️ half table, not what blues fans wanted. january shop needed, hope 4 better 2024.
Goals missing, xG not addin up. Pochettino plan? We’ll see. Chelsea’s rollercoaster ride.