THE suggestion has been there for a while that this Chelsea side is on the verge of imploding.

Chelsea’s players may be doing a good job of keeping it together, or so it would seem, but this goalless draw yesterday, their third on the spin, is reaffirming the speculation that there is trouble ahead.

At the end of this match, it seemed that the cracks were beginning to show.

There was a smattering of jeers from the Stamford Bridge faithful at the final whistle after Chelsea struggled against 10-man Leicester City.

In truth, Claude Puel’s men, vibrant and full of ideas, were very unlucky not to convert one of what was a number of chances against a Chelsea side that was a pale imitation of themselves.

Not only were the likes of Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez on top form but the players around them were showing that they are able to match more powerful opponents.

Attention again fell on Spanish striker Alvaro Morata, whose barren spell has now extended to five matches. Blues boss Antonio Conte, however, was keen to defend not only Morata but also flop Michy Batshuayi.

“I think the problem is for the team, not only for Morata,” said Conte.

“Compared to last season, we are conceding less and showing great solidity defensively. But, at the same time, we are not showing great quality in our finishing. This is the truth.”

He added: “But the problem is not only for Morata or Batshuayi when he plays. It’s for all the team. We have to try and improve our quality in the finishing in the last third.”

Despite playing the last quarter of the match against 10 men after Leicester’s Ben Chilwell had been sent off for two yellow cards, Chelsea continued to struggle.

By now, Eden Hazard and Cesc Fabregas had been taken off for Willian and Pedro. Little changed as the home side continued to struggle. Both sides were left having to share the points, leaving the home support unhappy.

Meanwhile, Puel was complimentary about his players but refused to be drawn on reports linking Mahrez with a move away from the club.

The Frenchman added: “It’s a good feeling after this game with the quality we showed in the game and it’s important to continue like this for the next games

“There is a lot of speculation about our players, about Riyad and other players, but of course we want to keep our best players. That’s the most important thing for us.”