Why Chelsea Deserve More Credit Than They Are Getting

While most football fans have been discussing either the fine form of Arsenal this season, or Jekyll and Hyde displays from Manchester City, Chelsea have quietly been going about their business and are now only two points off top spot after their 1-0 victory at home to Swansea yesterday afternoon. The Gunners, City, Liverpool and Everton have all drawn the plaudits this term, but for me Chelsea deserve a lot more credit than they are getting.

Jose Mourinho may not be the most exciting manager in terms of the way his teams play football - the Portuguese coach often prefers a 1-0 to a 5-4 - but he provides entertainment and his side is crammed full of world class players.

Chelsea have created 223 chances in the league this season so far, less than only City, Liverpool and Tottenham, but it's their defensive displays that have impressed. With John Terry and Gary Cahill at the core of the stability, the Blues have conceded just 14 goals in their 19 outings, a total that only Southampton have bettered throughout the entire division.

The west London outfit have now won 11 games this season, eight of which have come at home, and have not lost at Stamford Bridge in the last 69 home outings under the Special One.

They may not score the goals that Manchester City do, or play the silky stuff of Arsenal. They may not blood youngsters like Liverpool or hold the big-name strikers that Manchester United do. But Chelsea deserve a massive amount of credit, and so does Mourinho.