Even though individual and collective performances have improved in recent weeks, it has still been an underwhelming season from Chelsea.

Many believe that the Premier League title is out of reach already. The Blues sit nine points behind third placed West Ham United and the Champions League places, following another poor defeat at Upton Park on Saturday.

But should Chelsea fans really give up on retaining the title this early?

Just cast your mind back to some twelve months ago, when Jose Mourinho’s team appeared to be running away with the title – until rivals Manchester City closed an eight-point gap and suddenly found themselves level on points.

Anything is possible in the Premier League. While Chelsea simply need to go on a winning run and pick up points, there are some off-field issues that Jose Mourinho needs to deal with in January...

• Chelsea desperately need to replace Falcao with a striker capable of affecting games and scoring goals. The club is reportedly prepared to recall Patrick Bamford from his disappointing loan spell at Crystal Palace – and many believe he would be more of a threat than the out-of-form Colombian.
• Another position that needs strengthening is at centre-back. John Terry and Gary Cahill aren’t getting any younger and their lack of pace has become a real problem. John Stones knows that Chelsea would like to have him in their team and he would almost certainly be a starter.
• Chelsea should not be tempted into selling Eden Hazard, it would be a huge blow losing him in January. Luckily he has recently signed a new contract and it would take something truly astonishing for a move to happen.
• If Mourinho isn’t planning on playing highly-rated youngster Bertrand Traore this campaign, he should be sent out on loan. The Burkina Faso international had a terrific spell with Vitesse last season (18 goals, 7 assists) and deserves more game time.
• Allowing both Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard to depart has proved costly for Chelsea and there is a real lack of leadership in the dressing room. The club cannot make the same mistake again and must offer captain John Terry a new deal as soon as possible.

By Chelsea expert @Chelsea_HQ. Follow them on Twitter here.

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