In his post-match press conference following the dramatic 4-3 victory over Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on 4th April, Mauricio Pochettino declared, “I am not a clown, I am a coach.” This was in answer to a question regarding his supposed lack of passion on the touchline. Pochettino also replied saying, “Passion is not to be a crazy guy doing stupid things on the touchline. I’m not like this.” However, his side’s performance in the 111 minutes of football on that Thursday night against Erik ten Hag’s side would certainly have driven most the Chelsea fans inside the stadium and watching on television crazy. 

The inconsistency that has been a constant theme of Pochettino’s first season in charge at Stamford Bridge was on full display in the topsy-turvy clash against Manchester United. While many Chelsea fans would be forgiven for already having their focus on the Euro 2024 betting markets, such has been the mediocre season Chelsea fans have had to suffer through this season, there is still hope for the remainder of the season and seasons to come. An upturn in recent form has given Chelsea fans hope of European football next season and bookmakers will be keeping a keen eye on proceedings at Stamford Bridge over the remaining matchdays. Overall, Chelsea’s form has provided a real challenge for bookmakers and their odds of winning matches have even fluctuated wildly from match to match. 

We have certainly seen the good, the bad, and the ugly from Pochettino’s men this season and there was certainly nothing to laugh about in the 2-2 draw with ten-player Burnley which preceded the Stamford Bridge spectacle against United. However, there have been flashes of what the squad is capable of throughout the season so far. In the context of the tight title race, the draws against Liverpool (1-1) and Manchester City (4-4) should draw confidence amongst the Chelsea fanbase. However, the problem has been maintaining that consistent level of performance week-in-week-out. 

Cole in the goals

The inconsistency is further compounded by dire defeats away at Nottingham Forest, Brentford, Everton, and Wolverhampton Wanderers, but the 3-2 wins over Brighton, Luton Town, and Newcastle United not only shows that Pochettino’s mean can dig out a result, but that the team can also score goals. The standout performer in this regard has been Cole Palmer. The deadline day signing has been a revelation since his £40m transfer to West London from Manchester City, especially with Nicolas Jackson and Raheem Sterling failing to fire on any cylinders. Quite incredibly, despite the season Chelsea are having, Palmer could upset the odds and finish the season as the Golden Boot winner and is featuring heavily towards the top of most betting markets for this award after his four-goal salvo against Everton.

Defensive damage

While the team has not had problems finding the back of the net, keeping the ball out has been the main issue. There are bags of potential in Benoît Badiashile and Axel Disasi, while persistent injuries to club captain, Reece James, and Ben Chilwell have not allowed Pochettino to field a consistent backline. The promising Levi Colwill also gives Pochettino the flexibility to alternate between a back three or back four, but the key word for everyone of a blue persuasion is consistency. There is still hope the club can achieve European football for next season, but fans will want their club to mix it higher up the table next season.