Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has made a bold statement regarding Chelsea’s chances in the Premier League title race this season.
Despite a few areas needing improvement, including the goalkeeper position, Carragher feels Chelsea are “definitely” in the conversation for the title.
The Blues, under Enzo Maresca, have exceeded expectations so far, sitting second in the league after 15 games.
Their recent thrilling 4-3 victory over Tottenham has further raised hopes, as they now sit just four points behind leaders Liverpool, albeit with a game in hand for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
Carragher was impressed with Chelsea’s attacking players and overall team performance but pointed out their goalkeeping weakness.
“No team is perfect,” Carragher noted on Sky Sports, acknowledging that while other top clubs like Liverpool and Arsenal also have areas for improvement, Chelsea’s goalkeeper remains a concern.
He emphasized moments from the Tottenham match where a stronger goalkeeper could have prevented certain chances.
Neville’s Dismissal of Chelsea’s Title Chances
While Carragher sees Chelsea as strong contenders, his former colleague Gary Neville remains less convinced about their chances of winning the Premier League this season.
Despite praising Maresca’s start at Chelsea and his impressive managerial ability, Neville believes the team is “not quite” ready for the title race.
He argued that while Chelsea have been impressive, especially in their games against Manchester City and Liverpool, they’re still some way off competing with the top clubs.
Neville recognized that Maresca’s ability to manage Chelsea’s large squad and maintain harmony is a significant achievement, but he still believes the team is missing certain elements required for a title-winning campaign. As the season progresses, the question of whether Chelsea can maintain their form and push for the title will continue to linger.
Is Chelsea in the Title Race?
Despite the disagreements between Carragher and Neville, one thing is clear: Chelsea’s impressive performances under Maresca have ignited hopes of a title challenge.
The team has been resilient, especially in high-pressure matches, and with a few adjustments, they could become serious contenders for the Premier League crown. Whether their lack of a top-class goalkeeper will be their undoing remains to be seen.