Chelsea fans endured a relatively turbulent summer last year as they had to deal with the loss of their star player and a sudden transfer ban.
The Blues lost the services of star player Eden Hazard to Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid last summer after seven hugely successful years at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea also had to deal with a transfer ban last summer as imposed by world football’s governing body FIFA.
The Blues were slapped with a transfer ban for two windows for their wrongdoing in transfer dealings relating to underage players.
The Europa League holders were unable to sign players during last summer’s transfer window. The ban would later be reduced to just a transfer ban upon their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS) later in the year.
With the loss of Eden Hazard and the lack of adequate transfer activity, Blues faithfuls had little expectations for this season under club legend and new manager Frank Lampard who was appointed into the job last summer as a replacement for Maurizio Sarri who had left for Italian club Juventus. Those expectations soon changed for the better after a very good start to the season.
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The bright start to this English Premier League season led Chelsea into the top four but that positive energy has dissipated in recent weeks and they are battling to hang on to their place in the top four.
Here are 3 reasons why Chelsea are struggling:
1. Lack Of Signings
Chelsea were unable to sign players last summer and that position was maintained last month during the winter transfer window despite the fact that their transfer ban had been lifted by CAS.
2. Young Players
Frank Lampard has had to turn to young players this season and that comes with inconsistent displays on their part. The likes of Tammy Abraham, Reece James and Mason Mount have played more than expected this season.
3. Lack Of Cutting Edge
Chelsea have lost points in recent weeks and months for failing to kill of games. They have created a lot of opportunities but failed to convert them and that has led to the dropping of points on a consistent basis.
