Chelsea stamped their authority on the Premier League title race with a comfortable 3-1 victory over challengers Arsenal last weekend.

The Blues had previously drawn 1-1 with Liverpool at Anfield to remain nine points clear at the top, and goals from Marcos Alonso, Eden Hazard, and Cesc Fabregas meant they extended their lead to 12 points, although Tottenham reduced the gap with victory over Middlesbrough later on Saturday.

Nonetheless, Conte’s men are well-placed to regain the Premier League title, and secure top spot for the third time in eight years.

The Blues have won 19 of their 24 league games this term, with a settled starting eleven as well as able deputies proving to be the key to their success so far.

However, that does mean that some have struggled for minutes this season, and as a result there were a few notable departures in the January transfer window, with the likes of Oscar and John Obi Mikel moving to China.

Yet, there weren’t too many outgoings, so here are TWO that really should have left Stamford Bridge last month…

Asmir Begovic

Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has yet to make a Premier League appearance this season, and doesn’t look like doing so such is the excellent form of current number one Thibaut Courtois.

Bosnian international Begovic moved to Stamford Bridge in 2015 after impressing at Stoke, but has been unable to regularly dispose Courtois of a starting berth, with his only starts this term coming in their FA and League Cup matches.

However, for a goalkeeper of Begovic’s ability, he needs to be playing regular football, as he proved at Stoke what a quality shot-stopper he is, hence the fact that Chelsea snapped him up a few years back.

Bournemouth failed with a £10 million bid for the 29-year-old last month, so Begovic will have to make-do with his role as cover for at least a few months more.

John Terry

Captain John Terry recently admitted that he hopes not to play again for Chelsea this season, if it means that they have a greater chance of landing the Premier League title.

The former England international has made just four starts in the league this term, the last of which coming in their 2-2 draw with Swansea back on September 11.

Since then, the 36-year-old has started three times in the two cup competitions, and actually got sent off against Peterborough in the FA Cup last month to perhaps indicate that he isn’t quite good enough for the Blues anymore.

Thus, with Kurt Zouma and the recently recalled Nathan Ake probably ahead of him in the pecking order, Terry may have considered a loan move away from the club last month, especially if he still feels that he has something to offer.

Bournemouth were loosely linked with a move for the Chelsea great, which would have been an excellent addition given his experience and know-how on the pitch, as well as his leadership qualities off it.

Yet, it appears that Terry will continue to remain on the peripheries at Stamford Bridge until May.