Jamie Carragher has hailed Chelsea as “the real deal” this season but believes they are still not as well-equipped to win the Premier League as Liverpool or Arsenal. Despite a fifth consecutive victory, a 2-1 win over Brentford, moving the Blues to within two points of league leaders Liverpool, Carragher remains cautious about their title chances.
Carragher highlighted concerns over Chelsea’s goalkeeper Robert Sánchez and their centre-back options, suggesting that Liverpool and Arsenal have stronger defensive setups, which are crucial for a title-winning side. However, he admitted that Chelsea’s impressive form and a less hectic schedule could give them an edge. He noted that Chelsea can rotate their squad for European fixtures, unlike Liverpool and Arsenal, who face the demands of the Champions League.
“They’re in the title race; there’s no doubt about that,” Carragher said. “This team has great attacking talent and a brilliant midfield. The age profile of the squad is promising for long-term success. Still, I don’t think they’ll win the league this season—but they might prove me wrong.”
He also pointed to Chelsea’s remarkable turnaround, with the team earning more Premier League points than any other side since their difficult loss in last season’s cup final against Liverpool. “This is no fluke,” he added. “It’s a strong body of work.”
Meanwhile, Moises Caicedo, a standout performer in Chelsea’s recent success, credited former Blues star N’Golo Kanté as his inspiration. After struggling in his first season at Stamford Bridge following a record £115 million move, the Ecuadorian midfielder has flourished under head coach Enzo Maresca. “He [Kanté] is my idol,” Caicedo said, explaining how the Frenchman’s relentless style has influenced his game.
Chelsea fans are optimistic about their title chances, with many praising Maresca’s transformative work with the squad. Brentford manager Thomas Frank also labeled Chelsea “the best team in the Premier League right now” ahead of their recent clash, emphasizing their current form and attacking threat.
While Chelsea’s defensive depth remains a talking point, their consistent performances and attacking flair have undeniably made them a strong contender in this season’s title race.
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