Frank Lampard saw Chelsea beaten at home by a Southampton side threatened with relegation on Boxing Day to sum up why January could be key for the Blues.
With the transfer transfer ban reduced to allow for new signings to be registered in the new year the Blues are quite literally back in business.
In the meantime they have to prepare for away trips to Arsenal and Brighton and Hove Albion on December 29 and January 1, respectively.
The latest transfer rumours point to a £27million bid for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner but before getting lost in speculation over what could happen in the window what else has been going on around the Blues?
Mason Mount injury latest
Lampard sparked fears of an injury to Mason Mount when the England international was left out of his team to face Southampton on Boxing Day.
However, the Chelsea manager claimed that his decision was made to freshen up the team, not to address a problem with the mifielder.
Read his full explanation here.
Callum Hudson-Odoi against Southampton
It's fair to say that Mount's replacement in the team to face Southampton, Callum Hudson-Odoi, did not have the bester performance as he continues his return from a major injury last season.
Speaking after the match at Stamford Bridge, Lampard gave his view on the winger's game against the Saints.
"I thought he put a lot of effort in today, he was trying things, making runs, not quite coming off for him in the first half," said the Blues boss.
"He's come off the back of a big injury and this is certainly a period where we have to stick with him."
Read everything Lampard had to say here.
Chelsea's problems with Stamford Bridge laid bare
Speaking as a pundit on Match of the Day, former Arsenal striker Ian Wright gave his opinion on what is going wrong from the Blues when playing in front of their own fans.
After all, Southampton weren't the first side from the wrong end of the table to take advantage of Chelsea on their own turf.
Bournemouth and West Ham have both beaten Lampard's side in recent weeks.
"I think you can see they have the players capable of doing it," he said on their home form.
"I think their confidence is a massive problem with them and creativity.
"We know they’re good enough to get results but they need to get their confidence going to do it."
