Burnley’s 4-1 victory at Turf Moor on October 7 was an important result for Chelsea.

For the first time since March, Chelsea has won three consecutive matches in all competitions.

`But are these results proof that Chelsea are making a comeback or is this simply a short-lived upswing? Will they come back to earth when they take on Arsenal on Saturday?`, asked Sky Sports.

Pochettino (middle) along with Enzo Fernandez (left) and Raheem Sterling (right) are bringing positive changes to Chelsea.

Pochettino’s influence.

The fact that the team only won two of its first seven matches may not prove those positive traits.

Chelsea has an expected goals index (xG) per 90 minutes of 1.9 and ranks seventh through the first eight rounds of the Premier League – compared to 1.32 and ranked 12th last season.

Chelsea also moved from seventh to second in possession of the ball in the attacking third per game (from 5.37 to 7.5), showing a marked improvement in their ability to pressure opponents.

But Pochettino has not been able to improve the problem that caused Potter and Lampard headaches last season – the ability to take advantage of opportunities.

Average statistics per match in the Premier League

The level

2023-2024

Parameter

2022-2023

The level

9

1.38

Goal

first

15

7

1.9

Expected goals

1.32

twelfth

3

0.88

Lost goal

1.24

7

4

1.03

Expected loss

1.41

11

2

7.5

Number of times in possession of the ball

a third attack

5.37

7

Conductor Enzo Fernandez.

Fernandez only showed glimpses of his quality and class when Chelsea had a shaky final half of the season and no specific goals.

`Fernandez will play No. 8,` Pochettino told Sky Sports.

In the last two wins against Fulham and Burnley in the Premier League, Pochettino arranged a three-man midfield, with Moises Caicedo playing lowest and Conor Gallagher and Fernandez pushing higher.

Enzo Fernandez (No. 8) dribbles the ball in the 4-1 win over Burnley in round 8 of the Premier League on October 7.

The 2022 World Cup winner quickly became a key figure in Chelsea’s squad, ranking second for accurate passes and third for accurate passes in the final third per 90 minutes, in

But the Argentine player still has many things to improve, especially his ability to suddenly change in front of goal.

Sterling leads the attack.

Sterling looked lost after joining Chelsea last season, with injuries and lack of stability on the coaching bench limiting his progress.

But with the return to his preferred wing striker position under Pochettino and the motivation after being dismissed from the England team by coach Gareth Southgate, Sterling flourished in his second season at Stamford Bridge.

Sterling finished in the 4-1 win over Burnley.

During pre-season, Sterling revealed he felt `great` after changing his diet to ease injury troubles.

The beginning of a difficult series of matches against Chelsea.

Whether Chelsea’s improvement is sustainable or not will become clear between now and Christmas, when Pochettino and his team meet strong clubs such as Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester City, Newcastle and Man Utd.

The first challenge is Arsenal – the club has won seven of the last eight matches against Chelsea.