Mourinho under scrutiny after Chelsea’s poor start

The Premier League season is only five games old, but Jose Mourinho is already facing a stern examination of his credentials as Chelsea manager.

Only four months ago, he was lifting the Premier League title at Stamford Bridge for the third time as Chelsea cruised to its fourth championship, eight points ahead of runner-up Manchester City. Now, the Blues already trail Manuel Pellegrini’s side by 11 after Saturday’s 3-1 loss to Everton. It was their third loss of the season, equaling the number from the whole of the last campaign. Chelsea looked unfit, uninspired and stagnant against Everton, which relentlessly carved up the defending champions. 

Mourinho, so often a figure of charisma and swagger, was restless and riled, something which is fast becoming a familiar sight. Eden Hazard propelled Chelsea to the Premier League title last season and won three separate <g data-gr-id="16">player</g> of the year awards after starting all 38 games and scoring 14 goals. But the Belgium international has been underwhelming and off the pace this season. He is yet to score and appears void of the flair and creativity that saw him become one of the most feared players.

It is something that has swept through Chelsea’s team: Diego Costa has only scored once so far, Cesc Fabregas is yet to replicate any of the invention which saw him lay on 18 assists last season and captain John Terry has been so inconsistent, Mourinho took him off at halftime in the 3-0 loss to City in the second game.