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.”
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has addressed the ongoing rumors surrounding Martin Ødegaard’s captaincy, making it clear that the Norwegian midfielder will not be stripped of the armband. Speculation had surfaced following a string of disappointing performances from the team, including their Champions League exit. Despite this, The Athletic reports that these rumors are unfounded, and Ødegaard is set to retain the captain’s role for next season.
After a knee injury sidelined him for almost three months, Ødegaard’s form has dipped, with only one Premier League goal since the start of the year. His impact was also lacking during Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final tie against Paris Saint-Germain, where the Gunners lost 1-0 in both legs.
Despite calls from pundit Mark Lawrenson for Arteta to consider handing the captaincy to Declan Rice, Arsenal is reportedly confident that Ødegaard will remain as captain when the new season begins. The 24-year-old was appointed captain in 2022 after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette’s departures.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has acknowledged that Bruno Fernandes is drawing interest from multiple clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia. The Portuguese midfielder has been in outstanding form this season, with 19 goals and 18 assists in all competitions, leading to growing speculation about his future.
However, Amorim has made it clear that Fernandes is not for sale. Speaking to reporters on Friday, he said, “Many clubs, including those from Saudi Arabia, are keen on Bruno and would do whatever it takes to sign him, but he is not going anywhere. He will be with us for many years to come.”
Former Borussia Dortmund shot-stopper Roman Weidenfeller has revealed his preference for Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi, praising the Portuguese star’s unmatched dedication and work ethic.
Weidenfeller, who faced both legends during his playing days, described Ronaldo as a standout among top forwards like Messi and Higuain. According to him, Ronaldo’s discipline sets him apart. “He’s always the first to arrive in the dressing room, hitting the gym and training hard, and the last to leave,” he said in an interview with The Hindu.
He credited Ronaldo’s commitment as the key to his long-lasting success, noting that even now, the Al-Nassr forward remains driven as ever in Saudi Arabia. With five Ballon d’Ors and major titles across the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Champions League, and Euro 2016, Ronaldo’s legendary status continues to grow at 40, following iconic spells at Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
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