That's right. A win from this past weekend's game against Newcastle saw Chelsea take the lead for the first time this year with a total of 56 points. On second place, Arsenal trails closely on 55 points with their next game facing United at the Emirates. On third, Manchester City dropped points with a draw with Norwich to take them up to 54 points. It's a tight race between the three teams. Arsenal have been fortunate to face less difficult (I wouldn't say "easy" because it's the Premier League, after all) fixtures in the start of the season. As a result, they have been leading the table for the majority of the first half of the season. Manchester City, on the other hand, has been on fine goal-scoring form with all their strikers at their peak form. City is blessed with prolific forwards such as Aguero, Dzeko, Negredo, and Jovetic; however, injuries in the squad might damage their chances in this title race.
Now on to Chelsea... We dropped necessary points to West Ham last week by drawing 0-0 at home. If we had won that game, we could have taken the lead much sooner. But I can't complain. The fixture after that saw Chelsea beat Man City at the Etihad while at the same time keeping a clean sheet. A strike from Branislav Ivanovic saw the Royal Blues halt City's goalscoring record at home (they have been thrashing opponents with 3 or more goals). It was a showdown between the Premier League's highest rated offensive team and the League's highest rated defensive team. In the end, defence proves to be the best offence. Manchester City 0-1 Chelsea.
Eden Hazard. This lad has been our best squad member since the beginning of the season. He works hard, he scores goals, he provides assists, he wins fouls... YOU NAME IT! Last season, I was pessimistic about his proposed transfer to Chelsea. I thought he was this hot-shot player who's a diva in being so highly rated by players and pundits. Boy, was I dead RIGHT. But the difference is, he proves it on the pitch. He has talent and skills - we saw that in his first few games at Chelsea. As the 2012/13 season progresses, Chelsea fans (me included) began to look at him in a different way. He IS a hot-shot, but he is a team player. Beautiful assists and beautiful goals. In addition to that, we enjoy watching his interviews because he's just a fun guy. Under Mourinho, Hazard flourished to a rising star. Right now, he's our top-scorer. He gained his first hat-trick for Chelsea in the Newcastle game. It was well-deserved. Eden Hazard is currently Chelsea's cornerstone of attack. Now it's up to the Premier League to give him the awards...
