Last year was almost perfect for Chelsea.

Antonio Conte's start to life at Stamford Bridge was rocky; and after winning only three of his opening six games, he was the odds on favourite to be the first manager to be sacked in the Premier League.

However, Chelsea's fortunes suddenly reversed, as Conte pulled off a tactical masterstroke by changing tactics to five at the back.

After the change in formation, Conte's men went on a magnificent run as they won 27 of their remaining 32 Premier League games, and ended up winning the title by seven points.

And, after replacing Nemanja Matic with Tiemoue Bakayoko, and Diego Costa with Alvaro Morata, many backed the west London club to retain the title this campaign.

CHELSEA HAVE BEEN UNDERWHELMING THIS YEAR

But, for whatever reason, Chelsea have not been the same team this year.

Chelsea are currently in 4th place, having accumulated 22 points from their opening 11 games.

Although this is not a disastrous total, Conte's men still find themselves nine points behind leaders Manchester City, meaning they will have it all to do if they are to retain their title.

DIDIER DROGBA EXPLAINS WHY CHELSEA ARE STRUGGLING

And Chelsea legend Didier Drogba has explained why the club are struggling to replicate their form from last season.

The Ivorian points to Chelsea's participation in the Champions League as the main factor, as it has increased their schedule and the players have not been able to acclimatise.

Speaking to French radio station RMC, as per the Metro, Drogba said: "What’s happening now is normal, two years ago, they were on the brink of relegation.

"Last year, with one match a week, everything went well. The coach came in with drastic methods and the club became champions again.

"But most of the players have never been further than a Champions League quarter-final or semi-final for a while.

"You have to get used to matches every three days again, get used to the demand for results, which is permanent, to the intensity.

"You have to be at your best every day, which isn’t easy."

A fair point made by a Chelsea legend.

Chelsea return to Premier League action this weekend when they travel to West Brom on Saturday, where they will be looking to close the gap to Man City at the top of the table.