CHELSEA earned a much-needed Premier League victory over Fulham on Monday night.
Having failed to score a league goal in the month of September, the Blues struck twice in quick succession against their West London rivals through Mykhailo Mudryk (£2.6m) and Armando Broja (£1.9m).
Prior to the win at Craven Cottage, only Burnley had scored fewer goals than Mauricio Pochettino’s side in the top flight this season and while Monday night’s result has gone some way to readdressing the balance, Chelsea’s inefficiency in front of goal remains a concern.
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Dream TeamChelsea attackers are struggling but their defenders have impressed[/caption]
However, Pochettino will be encouraged by his team’s defensive record this term – something Dream Team bosses should be conscious of as well.
Chelsea have conceded just six goals across their first seven league games, only league-leaders Manchester City boast a better defensive record at this stage.
They’ve now kept four clean sheets in all competitions, a tally that ensures lofty placings in the Dream Team rankings for three Stamford Bridge residents.
Robert Sanchez (£2.7m) is the second-best goalkeeper in the game at the time of writing having banked 44 points in total.
The ex-Brighton custodian is nine points adrift of Nick Pope (£4.2m) but considerably less expensive – the Newcastle man is the most-costly asset in his position right now.
Four clean sheets and countingGetty
Levi Colwill (£2.7m) was the big winner at Craven Cottage this week as he pocketed 12 points having provided an assist on top of his defensive returns.
The 20-year-old’s best haul of the season has catapulted him up to fifth in the defensive rankings.
He now has 48 points to his name and his average of eight points-per-game over his last three outings means he’s technically in better form than the likes of Matty Cash (£3m), Kyle Walker (£3.6m) and William Saliba (£3.5m).
Axel Disasi (£3.5m) isn’t far behind his team-mate on 45 points.
The France international scored against Liverpool in Gameweek 1 and has played every minute so far this campaign.
APIn favour with Pochettino[/caption]
Chelsea don’t have European commitments this season but their domestic defensive returns are undeniably impressive and while Disasi is moderately priced, both Sanchez and Colwill have offered excellent value for money.
Pochettino’s men face Burnley this coming weekend which, on current form, appears ripe for another clean sheet.
Arsenal’s visit to Stamford Bridge after the international break will provide a sterner test but Dream Team managers should be considering Chelsea’s defensive assets at the very least.
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