Sport
“Chelsea Can’t Win the Premier League with Their Current Defense” – Carragher Claims
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has expressed doubts about Chelsea’s ability to win the Premier League title this season, pointing to key defensive weaknesses as a major factor.
Despite their impressive attacking record, Carragher believes the Blues will fall short due to their lack of an elite goalkeeper and top-tier centre-backs.
Chelsea, currently four points behind league leaders Liverpool, have shown attacking firepower in recent matches, including a thrilling 4-3 victory over Tottenham on Sunday.
In that game, Cole Palmer scored twice from the penalty spot, with Jadon Sancho and Enzo Fernandez also finding the net.
With 35 goals in 15 matches, Chelsea boasts the best attacking record in the league, outscoring every other team.
However, Carragher noted that Chelsea’s defensive vulnerabilities could prevent them from securing the title.
The Blues have conceded 18 goals so far, an average of more than a goal per game.
No team has won the Premier League title while conceding more than a goal per game since Manchester United did so in the 2012-13 season, and Carragher believes this stat shows the importance of a solid defense in the pursuit of the title.
The game against Spurs saw goalkeeper Robert Sanchez return to the starting lineup, playing behind a centre-back pairing of Benoit Badiashile and Levi Colwill.
While the team’s attacking prowess is undeniable, Carragher remains unconvinced by their defensive setup.
He told Sky Sports, “I still look at the goalkeeper and two centre-backs, and I just think I can’t see anyone winning the Premier League with that goalkeeper and without a standout centre-back.”
Carragher went on to mention the importance of having a strong defensive backbone in a title-winning team, comparing Chelsea’s current defensive setup to other Premier League title winners.
He pointed out how Manchester City’s success has been built on the strength of Ederson in goal and Ruben Dias in central defense, while Liverpool’s dominance has been underpinned by Virgil van Dijk and Alisson.
Carragher also referenced Chelsea’s previous title-winning sides, which boasted world-class defenders like Petr Cech and John Terry, who were crucial to their success.
“When you think of the top teams that have won the Premier League, they all had those key defensive players,” Carragher continued.
“Chelsea are still a little short in those areas, and until they strengthen defensively, I don’t think they can challenge for the title.”
Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has urged Victor Osimhen to avoid a move to Saudi Arabia this summer. Mikel Obi described it as a “shame” if Osimhen were to join a Middle Eastern club, believing the striker still has plenty to offer at the highest level in Europe.
Osimhen is set to return to Napoli after a successful loan spell at Galatasaray, where he netted an impressive 37 goals in 41 games. The 26-year-old is widely expected to make a permanent transfer before the start of the 2025/2026 season.
“I’m hoping he gets a chance to play in the Premier League this summer,” Mikel Obi told Metro. “I don’t want to see him heading to Saudi Arabia right now because his talent deserves to shine in Europe. “It would be a real shame to see him go there. Clubs like Arsenal, Manchester United, Juventus, and PSG could be good options for him. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens.”
Ademola Lookman has opened up about how choosing to play for Nigeria over England has been a turning point in his football journey. Born in England to Nigerian parents, the 27-year-old winger once wore the English colours at youth levels, featuring for the U-19, U-20, and U-21 teams. But in 2022, he made a bold move—switching to represent Nigeria at the senior level, debuting in a tense clash against long-time rivals Ghana.
Since then, the Atalanta star has made a name for himself in the green and white jersey. He was a key figure in Nigeria’s run to the final at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, scoring three times and assisting once. His standout performances earned him the title of Africa’s best player in a ceremony held in Marrakech last December.
Reflecting on his decision in a chat with ARISE TV, Lookman said, “No doubt, choosing Nigeria changed everything for me—my career and my life. This is where I belong. I feel at home here. I’m truly a son of the soil.”
Former Spartak Moscow star Eduard Mor has shared his thoughts ahead of the upcoming international friendly between Russia and Nigeria, calling it a match to look forward to. Set to be played this Friday at 6 p.m. in Moscow, Mor believes the clash will be both exciting and filled with quality play. He praised Nigeria’s attack, describing it as one of the most dangerous on the global stage—not just in Africa.
“Nigeria are a strong side by international standards,” Mor said in a chat with Match TV. “They have players who’ve been doing well in top European clubs for years.” He pointed out that the Super Eagles’ frontline is packed with talent, saying each attacker seems to outshine the next. According to him, this balance of strength makes the team a real threat.
“Nigeria’s attackers are known around the world. They’re all strong individually, and that makes them even more dangerous as a unit. I believe this match is going to be very entertaining and full of action.” The Super Eagles go into the friendly with momentum, having recently defeated Jamaica in the Unity Cup final.
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