Since their deconstruction at the hands of Arsenal back in September Chelsea have looked unstoppable, consistently formidable, and champions elect.

They have transformed themselves into a team where every component thrives within a system that the players have unshakable faith in. Coupled with their commanding lead at the top it has led to many prematurely handing the trophy to Antonio Conte and looking instead at the remaining three Champions League spots for their entertainment.

They shouldn’t. Not yet. The gap is presently nine points in early February, which certainly makes the Blues clear favourites but by no means nailed-on-certs to secure the coveted silverware.

It is far too early yet to retrieve the crown from Leicester’s cupboard and close the book on 2016/17.

For one thing, oh what short memories we have…

It’s been done before

Manchester United’s 4-1 defeat away at Spurs in January 1996 left them with a seemingly insurmountable challenge of clawing back 12 points on high-flying Newcastle. The title was done and dusted and everybody’s favourite second team were champs.

Granted a spectacular implosion followed and it’s extremely hard to imagine Costa and co. similarly pressing the self-destruct button but let’s not succumb to easy cliché here and focus on Keegan’s famous Sky rant to pinpoint where it all unravelled: that Newcastle side was bolstered by the likes of Batty and Lee with Big Les Ferdinand up front, mentally strong individuals to a man. It should not be under-estimated what complacency and pressure can do to any side.

A season later United had a taste of their own medicine boasting an eleven point lead over Arsenal in March. March! Some bookies even paid out early, leaving them red-faced and out of pocket when the Gunners launched a late dramatic revival to claim the trophy.

Even the most famous climax to a season resulted from a relinquishing of an imposing lead. Yes, Manchester City won the title in 2011/12 but it required a world-wobbling Aguero strike to clinch it after being eight points clear that spring.

Form of Spurs

Chelsea do not have a monopoly on momentum and across the capital, Pochettino’s men are enjoying  a season that in any other would see them lauded to the rafters. Despite being more expansive than their title rivals they still have the meanest defence, while their only defeats in 24 games have come at Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge.

It’s to be expected of any top four side to dispense the odd walloping to a beleaguered opposition and Spurs have certainly not been shy in this regard, but title winners must also grind out workmanlike 1-0 wins and somehow secure away draws against all odds.

Spurs have done both in recent weeks.

April Fixtures

Should Tottenham trim Chelsea’s lead to six or seven by April then a momentous comeback is genuinely up for grabs.

In the space of ten days the Blues take on both Manchester giants while travelling to Bournemouth in between, a trio of fixtures unlikely to result in maximum points gained.

Spurs meanwhile have Swansea, Watford and the Cherries at home. All three will conceivably be finding resolve with the prospect of relegation looming but unquestionably nine points are there especially with two of them having to head to the Lane.

Injuries

The narrative that every Doubting Thomas clung to last season was that Leicester would struggle if injuries hit. Ultimately they never did with Vardy, Mahrez, Kante and Captain Morgan remaining fit and firing throughout the long campaign.

Already we’re hearing similar being attributed to Chelsea with the rather obvious point being laboured that they would be significantly be weakened by long-term absences to Costa or Hazard. They are obvious points because they’re true and it can be extended to include their specialist wing-backs and one-man-army Kante.

Chelsea have been fortunate with injuries this term and there is absolutely no guarantee that will continue.

Hope

We can analyse Chelsea’s armament for weaknesses, come up short, and still believe that the title race is ongoing. Why? Because hope is necessary in every condition. Samuel Johnson said that and he was really clever. Who’s to argue with a really clever man?