Chelsea could be 19th when they next play

Saturday's defeat by Bournemouth was their eighth in the league, and left them just two points above the relegation zone with 15 games played. It's an uneasy time for Jose Mourinho, his players, staff and the supporters.

There remains a sense of disbelief at this season's events at Stamford Bridge. The defending champions have not started a campaign this badly in 41 years, and never in the Premier League era.

It is 22 years since Chelsea have been this poor from the off, when they finished 14th in 1993-94 and even hopes of the top four are now fading for the pre-season title favourites.

Jose Mourinho conceded those Champions League qualifying spots might just be out of reach now. If you look at the historical data, top six might even be too much of an ask.

No team that's taken 15 points from 15 games has finished higher than eighth, which Tottenham and Fulham managed in 2008-09 and 2010-11.

Glenn Murray's winner for Bournemouth took advantage of a late Chelsea twitch – and not for the first time this season. The Blues have conceded more times in the last 15 minutes of games than any other side in the Premier League – seven times.

Murray had only been on the field 99 seconds when his header crossed Thibaut Courtois' line while at the other end, Diego Costa and Eden Hazard drew blanks again. The former is eight strikes down on this time last year while the Player of the Year hasn't scored in 22 games.

It all adds up to a nightmare for Mourinho. Chelsea don't return to Premier League action until a trip to surprise leaders Leicester City on Monday next week.

By then, they could be as low as 19th in the table. The two points that separate them from the relegation zone can be made up with wins for Swansea City, Norwich City, Bournemouth and Newcastle United. Sunderland would need a five-goal swing when they face Watford.

Before that, the focus is on Europe. Chelsea are almost-certain to need at least a draw against Porto on Wednesday to stay in the Champions League and they need to pick up the form that has evaded them domestically. 

(dailymail.co.uk)