A shadow hangs over Stamford Bridge. Chelsea, once brimming with potential, find themselves adrift in a sea of frustrating results. Recent weeks have seen a disturbing pattern emerge: two losses and two draws, a stark contrast to the ambitions held at the season’s start.
This unsettling form has pushed Chelsea down to fifth in the Premier League, a worrying eight points behind the relentless pace of league leaders Arsenal. The Champions League offers little solace, with the team languishing in 13th place, their hopes of easy progression dwindling with each match.
The attack, in particular, is under scrutiny. Young Liam Delap, brought in with promise, has found the net only once, a meager return for a team desperate for goals. Former Chelsea stalwart William Gallas believes a specific type of player is missing – a proven, experienced finisher to ignite the forward line.
Gallas openly admits to a lingering dream: seeing Victor Osimhen, the prolific Nigerian striker, donning the Chelsea blue. For nearly two years, Osimhen has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge, a deal that almost materialized last summer before falling through at the last moment.
Osimhen ultimately chose Galatasaray, where he’s continued his remarkable scoring record. Last season, during a loan spell in Turkey, he exploded onto the scene with 37 goals in 41 games. This season, he’s already added another 11 to his tally, a testament to his predatory instincts.
“Chelsea, at the moment, are missing that experienced player,” Gallas stated with conviction. “Osimhen is the one who can truly elevate them. I desperately wanted him to sign, but it didn’t happen. My dream remains seeing him at Chelsea, because his quality is perfectly suited to the club.”
Gallas also offered pointed advice to the struggling Delap. He urged the young forward to rediscover the fearless spirit he displayed at Ipswich, where goals flowed freely and enjoyment was evident. “He needs to take more risks,” Gallas insisted, “be himself, and not be afraid to fail.”
Recent defeats to Leeds United and Atalanta, coupled with a frustrating draw against Bournemouth, have amplified the pressure on manager Maresca. The Atalanta loss, in particular, dealt a significant blow to their Champions League aspirations, leaving their qualification hopes hanging precariously.
The upcoming clash against Everton presents a crucial opportunity for redemption. Everton, surprisingly, have climbed to seventh in the league, just one point behind Chelsea, fueled by an impressive run of form. The Blues will need to rediscover their winning touch to avoid further slipping down the table.
Last season’s fixture against Everton saw a narrow 1-0 victory for Chelsea, courtesy of a goal from Nicolas Jackson, now at Bayern Munich. The return match at Goodison Park ended in a goalless stalemate. Saturday’s game promises to be a hard-fought battle, a test of Chelsea’s resolve and a potential turning point in their season.
