Can Chelsea navigate their inconsistency and finish in the top four?

Chelsea bounced back from a tepid first-half performance to claim a resounding 3-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge and consolidate their place in the top four.

The Blues currently have one more point than they did at this stage last season and sit only six points behind table-toppers Arsenal, with more than a third of the season still to go.

There is every reason for Chelsea fans to be optimistic that they can secure a top-four spot, given their strong start.

Chelsea have recorded the most expected goals (22.59) in the league this term, showing a remarkable ability to fashion out chances for themselves. They are also second for goals scored.

The Blues have registered those numbers without creator-in-chief Cole Palmer, who has been dealing with a groin problem.

The West Londoners have a roster stacked with talent, and they stepped up to the plate in the absence of the Englishman.

However, even their attacking has been wildly inconsistent. Fans go into every game week not knowing which Chelsea side will show up.

Today, it might be the dominant one that took down Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool, or the lacklustre team that drew 2-2 with Qarabag.

It could be the dull side that struggled to break down Wolves in the first half or the team that ran the embattled Molineux club ragged in the second 45.

That inconsistency is a result of the team’s youthful nature. It is expected of them, but manager Enzo Maresca needs to prepare them for the long haul.

Attacking-wise, Chelsea have all the tools to secure a top-four finish. They just need them sharpened for consistency to deliver over 38 game weeks.

Chelsea’s main Achilles heel is the defence, which is currently preventing the Club World Cup champions from competing for the title alongside Arsenal and Manchester City.

Sir Alex Ferguson once famously said that defence wins you titles, and Chelsea’s current rearguard does not look up to the task.

The Blues have lacked an edge at the back since Levi Colwill picked up a season-ending injury. Maresca has tried various combinations, but they have not yielded the best results.

Their lack of quality at the back will likely leave them short in the title race, but they should have enough to clinch a Champions League slot.

Maresca’s young side may not yet have the maturity to mount a sustained title charge, but the raw talent, energy, and attacking output suggest a bright future.

Consistency remains a massive challenge.

Nevertheless, if they can string together performances like the one against Wolves, Champions League football will be returning to Stamford Bridge next season.

It would also give this young group experience and a foundation that they will need to challenge for the top honours next term.

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