Chelsea’s form takes an upturn…but Arsenal set to be a proper test for Poch’s resurgent side

It’s nosebleed time for Chelsea as they find themselves at the dizzy heights of 11th in the Premier League.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping that  Raheem Sterling, top, repeats the sensational performance that saw him almost single-handedly tear Burnley apart in a 4-1 drubbing last week.

The Premier League takes a backseat to the international break, but the daunting prospect of Arsenal rocking up at Stamford Bridge on Saturday week is something of an acid test for the rejuvenated Blues, who have won three matches in a row.

I spoke to a Chelsea insider who confirmed that they had expected their charges to have won all their matches so far this season, with the exception of a 50-50 result against Liverpool, which ended 1-1, in the opening game of the season. They expect the Arsenal game to be a clear indicator of what the Blues should be able to achieve in the league.

Their expectations – top-four with the chance of the title – are dead in the water due to a sluggish start but a win against the north Londoners will help them re-evaluate which area of the team they will seek to improve in the January transfer window.

It’s generally accepted they need to bring in one more experienced striker to relieve the pressure on Nicolas Jackson while they slowly ease Armando Broja back from his long-term lay-off.

Chelsea Women return to Kingsmeadow to face West Ham United tomorrow looking to remain unbeaten in defence of their Super League title. They are fifth with four points from their opening two games.