After months of facing awkward questions regarding a stuttering attack, Thomas Tuchel is slowly starting to enjoy the fruits of his talented attacking cast in a more tangible way.
The recent run of six consecutive wins across three competitions signalled a change in the narrative surrounding an expensively assembled group that had cost over £300million in transfer fees since January 2019. At the end of February, you could combine the Premier League goals of Romelu Lukaku, Timo Werner and Kai Havertz and struggle to reach double figures.
Now, Havertz has spearheaded a more productive frontline that is quickly combining for some impressive goals, some of those netted by Christian Pulisic who has also gained momentum as we've left winter for spring.
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Commencing on Saturday against Brentford at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea enter a defining 16-day run where Tuchel's squad will face five games against four opponents in three different competitions.
Such fixture congestion is nothing new for Tuchel or his players to confront, this was not only the case one year ago as they chased Champions League qualification in the league, their eventual European crown and the FA Cup. The return fixture against Brentford will mark the Blues' 50th competitive game this season, a number that is at least going to increase to 59 if Chelsea fails to progress any further in the FA Cup or Champions League.
The two legs against Real Madrid are mouthwatering, whilst the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace gives Tuchel the chance to keep his extraordinary record at Stamford Bridge of reaching the final of every domestic cup competition he's entered so far.
Other than the clash with The Bees this Saturday, a trip to St Mary's Stadium on the following Saturday could edge Chelsea closer to securing their top-four spot, currently enjoying an eight-point lead over fifth-placed Spurs despite playing a game less.
Tuchel will need his recently resurgent attack to continue their ascent. Pulisic's outstanding hat-trick against Panama on Sunday night for the USMT demonstrated his thirst for goals, something he has showed in flashes for Chelsea.
Inside the box, the American can become a devastating figure and leading his nation to the World Cup can hopefully increase his confidence before returning to club football. His two strikes against Burnley and Lille in the last block of games offered hope Pulisic might be about to repeat the amazing run he enjoyed under Frank Lampard in the summer of 2020.
Chelsea's end of season fate will be decided across the next fortnight, game-changing talent like Pulisic finding form at this point could prove the key to major success again.
