Chelsea’s fightback against Leicester in the EFL Cup shows they are making small steps towards recovering from the horrors of last season.
When Shinji Okazaki scored Leicester City’s second goal to make the score 2-0, the game looked beyond Chelsea’s reach.
The Chelsea of last season, two goals down, would never have been able to stir up the fire for a comeback. Often, in fact, they would allow games to slip away from them when they had seemingly been in control.
But, at the home of the reigning Premier League champions, the Blues were able to force extra time via a Gary Cahill header and a sumptuous volley from full-back Cesar Azpilicueta.
Then, in extra-time, Cesc Fabregas showed his class with a quick-fire double to put the game to bed at 4-2 – and put Chelsea through.
Chelsea have had to come from behind in each of their last three games. A last-gasp equaliser in the 2-2 draw against Swansea, a consolation in the 2-1 defeat to Liverpool, and now, the 4-2 victory over Leicester.
While the performances and results in the last two league games left something to be desired (not to mention most of the first half against Leicester), the fact that the Blues have continued to push their opponents to the end is an encouraging sign.
Most, if not all, of that credit must go to new boss Antonio Conte. His passion and fire on the touchline is undeniable, and it has spread to his squad.
It is easy to forget that a club that won the league as recently as two seasons ago was actually just a mid-table side last term. Aspirations of trophies and glory under Conte are not unwarranted, but a season like the one Chelsea endured leaves scars that don’t just disappear over one summer.
But if this performance is anything to go by, Conte is well on his way to restoring his new club’s old fighting spirit.
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