By Henry Vinter | 8 November 2055
The Premier League title race is in danger of becoming a procession before we have even reached the festive period. On a weekend where Chelsea extended their relentless winning streak to eleven matches with a 5-0 demolition of Middlesbrough, their closest rivals seemingly decided to wave the white flag.
Calin Dimario’s side now sits on 34 points from a possible 36, a near-perfect start that has struck fear into the rest of the division. But while Chelsea’s excellence is predictable, the incompetence of the chasing pack is becoming the season’s defining narrative.
City’s Tyneside Collapse
Manchester City, the only team realistically expected to challenge Chelsea’s dominance, suffered a damaging defeat at St James’ Park. Despite taking the lead through Luca Ellison in the 33rd minute, City’s fragile defense crumbled under pressure.
Goals from Darko Grozdek and Marcelinho turned the game on its head, handing Newcastle a 2-1 victory and leaving City languishing in 4th place, a staggering 11 points adrift of the leaders. For a squad of their caliber, to be double-digits behind in November is a crisis.
United Stumble at Villa
Manchester United’s season continues to be a study in mediocrity. Having been the only team to take points off Chelsea this season (back in August), they failed to find a rhythm against Aston Villa.
In a chaotic 2-2 draw, goals from Solomon Busumbru and Sheraldo Breinburg were not enough to secure three points. The result leaves United stuck in 8th place on 17 points—literally half the points total of Chelsea. They are currently closer to the relegation zone than they are to the top of the table.
The Lone Challenger?
Liverpool managed to keep within touching distance with a narrow 1-0 win over Fulham, but even they sit six points back in 2nd place.
With Chelsea scoring goals for fun (39 goal difference) and their rivals tripping over their own feet, the question isn’t whether Chelsea will win the league. It is becoming a question of when they will win it. The “invincibles” conversation is premature, but on this evidence, it is not absurd.