Is This Chelsea's Year to Return to the Top?

During the 2000s, the English Premier League was dominated by four teams: Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, and Chelsea. These four horsemen qualified for the Champions League on a yearly basis, with each squad finishing at least second in the Premier League at least twice. In fact, Arsenal and Manchester United finished in the Top Four in all ten seasons of the 2000s. While the Blues were a little late to the party, their dominance is well-established in this time period: they've won three Premier League titles and lost in the Champions League final in 2008.

Fast forward to the next decade and there emerges a new contender: Manchester City. Behind Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne, Manchester City has won three titles this decade. In fact, they're the defending champions with a historic dominance of the Premier League last season, with Chelsea on the outside looking in regarding the Top Four (fifth). Granted, Chelsea has won the Premier League in two of the past four seasons. But adding another title would prompt calls for this squad potentially being a modern dynasty. So what does Chelsea need to make this happen?

One thing Chelsea can do to help themselves in the long-term is to get Eden Hazard signed. The Belgian star is beginning formal negotiations with Chelsea in the next upcoming weeks, while Real Madrid is also interested. If there's any financial compensation, the Blues should look into making it happen just as look as they get Hazard for the long term.

Maurizio Sarri must also make good use of the youngsters on his squad. Sarri isn't big on transfer players. Instead, he's focused on developing the players he has. It is a modern philosophy that has been used by teams like the Chicago Cubs and the Houston Astros. Sarri's philosophy of high-speed, technical soccer may not be fully embraced by Chelsea fans. But it'll be entertaining to watch for the rest of the international football scene.

Either way, Chelsea faces some stiff competition this season. Granted, they have done well so far, starting off 6-2-0, which is good for second in the Premier League behind Manchester City. Anyways, fans of the Blues should enjoy another ride to the top of the mountain as the season progresses.