Chelsea have taken good advantage of a relatively easy opening first dozen games in the Premier League this season — all “big” games at home — collecting 28 points, which is good enough for third position in the table. It’s certainly a better start than most would’ve anticipated, though it feels worse thanks to the two points just dropped against Everton at the Bridge.
Still, it’s perhaps noteworthy that the draw means that Maurizio Sarri remains undefeated as Chelsea head coach in competitive matches (so not counting the Community Shield). And while no one’s ever won the league with draws (since three-points-for-a-win was instituted), given that Chelsea are not operating at full Sarrismo efficiency yet, 18 games without a loss, 12 in the league, is impressive and certainly something to build on and improve upon.
The 12 unbeaten to begin a Premier League career is in fact a new record!
12 - Maurizio Sarri has set a new managerial record for the best unbeaten run from the start of a @premierleague career (12 games). Labour. #CHEEVE
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) November 11, 2018
Chelsea’s schedule strength ramps up significantly after the November international break, starting with an away trip to Spurs, who are just a point behind after their narrow 1-0 win this weekend. Sarri’s unbeaten run will eventually come to an end, and just how much it will be appreciated will depend greatly on what tangible successes Chelsea can achieve this season.
Sarri on 12 game record run for a new manager: I am really proud about it. I have to say thank you to my club, my players and finally my staff. Of course, I prefer three points than a record." #CFC #CHEEVE
— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) November 11, 2018
But having gone through an entire third of a season unbeaten, there’s plenty of reason for optimism for the future.