Why do Chelsea keep failing their big tests in the Premier League?

Chelsea's youth revolution under Frank Lampard has been the most fascinating aspect of the Premier League this season. The Stamford Bridge outfit were expected to struggle this season after losing Eden Hazard and serving a transfer ban. However, it would not be wrong to suggest that they have been proving their doubters wrong with every passing game.

They are currently placed 4th in the Premier League and are level on points with their Champions League group leaders Ajax. The big reason for such success till now has been the introduction of fantastic young players to the first team.

Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount, and Fikayo Tomori have been the standout performers with Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi making important contributions as well. They have proved that they belong at this level. So, the next test was to prove if they can cope with the best teams as well?

Chelsea were on a six-match winning streak in the Premier League going into their game against Manchester City this Saturday. This was not just any other big game - this was an opportunity for Chelsea to prove that they are ready to challenge for the League title this year itself. But, they ended up failing this test.

Even though they started brightly and took the lead, City were able to take control of the game and ended up winning it. This seemed to follow the trend of Chelsea's matches against fellow top-six sides this season - the Blues have already lost to both Manchester United and Liverpool twice this season.

The biggest challenge Chelsea have faced in these games has been their lack of ability to manage the game. Lampard's side have played well in these games but have not been able to maintain their strong start for the whole 90 minutes.

Another factor has been the individual mistakes made in crucial moments of such games. Even against City this Saturday, Chelsea made a bright start and were rewarded with a goal, but they allowed City to come back in the game. After taking the lead, Chelsea should have tried to frustrate City which they didn't.

They were also punished for their individual mistakes. It was a poor pass from Jorginho which was intercepted leading up to City's equalizer. There were nervy moments from other players as well. Tomori was guilty of some misplaced passes while playing out from the back. Kepa Arrizabalaga was lucky not to have conceded when he passed straight to Sergio Aguero.

These mistakes have been occurring in other games too but the best teams take advantage of such mistakes and punish you. Chelsea has been learning this the hard way this season. They need to iron out these silly mistakes if they want to challenge for the Premier League title. Of course, these mistakes can be attributed to the lack of experience of some players.

This should not discourage Chelsea players and fans too much, and there is no denying that they have been making progress this season. Lampard's side pushed Liverpool as close as anyone has this season. The Stamford Bridge outfit were brave enough to go toe to toe with City after losing 6-0 in the corresponding fixture last year.

These are all promising signs, and they look favourites to finish top four this season. But, now they must take the next step and that is beating a top team in the Premier League. The Blues' next big test in the league comes next month when they face Jose Mourinho's Tottenham Hotspur - aperfect test for Chelsea in their pursuit of taking the next step in their progress.