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 footballer Thierry Henry has shared his thoughts on Arsenal’s match following their loss to Atlético Madrid on October 13.
Speaking during a brief interview on CBS Sports, Henry criticised the practice of players or coaches expressing certain opinions through the media instead of addressing issues directly within the dressing room.
“I’m not a coach anymore, but I always say, whoever speaks like that, out. Keep that in the dressing room, it’s as simple as that,” Henry said on CBS Sports.
“That is the only way it can work. You have to say those things to a person’s face… going through the press, I am not really a fan of that.”
Paris Saint-Germain manager Luis Enrique has shared his thoughts on the 2026 Ballon d’Or award, revealing that he hopes the winner will come from his team.
The manager spoke about how hard his players have worked and expressed his belief that they deserve the recognition.
“What I hope is that we win this trophy. We have players who deserve it.”
“Last year, we were the best team. We showed that it wasn’t just Ousmane Dembélé who deserved it.”
French football pundit Walid Acherchour has named Lamine Yamal as his pick to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or, sparking reactions among football fans.
Acherchour’s choice came as a surprise to some fans, who expected him to support fellow Frenchman Kylian Mbappé instead.
Speaking about his prediction, Acherchour expressed confidence in Yamal’s chances of winning the prestigious individual award.
“For me, Lamine Yamal, he is going to get it [2026 Ballon d’Or]. For me, there’s no doubt anymore,” Acherchour said, as quoted by Actu Foot. That start to the season shows that in fact, he was injured during the World Cup. He was the best player in La Liga, and he won the World Cup.
“Even if, for me, in fact, he doesn’t have the Ballon d’Or unanimously because his World Cup was average, even being average, he won it with Spain. He won La Liga with Barça.”
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