Gary Neville is writing Chelsea off in the Premier League title race, despite the Blues’ impressive start to the season.
Enzo Maresca’s side are currently joint-second in the table alongside Arsenal following a dominant 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
Goals from Nicolas Jackson, Enzo Fernandez, and Cole Palmer secured the win, bringing Chelsea level on points with the Gunners and just nine points behind league leaders Liverpool.
Despite this, former Manchester United defender Gary Neville believes it is too early to consider Chelsea serious contenders for the title.
Neville: “It Feels Too Early for Chelsea”
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, Neville praised Chelsea’s performance but maintained that they are not yet at the level required to sustain a title challenge.
“To be honest, it feels too early for Chelsea. Even though they’re level on points [with Arsenal]. It doesn’t feel as though Chelsea will go and win it. I still feel it’s going to be Arsenal, if anybody, who will catch Liverpool in this moment in time.
“Maresca has got a stability there that’s been difficult to find – so well done to them… But I don’t feel like they’re there for the title. I don’t sense it really.”
What a STRIKE from Cole Palmer! ⚡🔥 pic.twitter.com/QQv6qEosoG
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 1, 2024
Chelsea’s Revival Under Maresca
Chelsea’s resurgence this season is a stark improvement from their previous two campaigns. Under the co-ownership of Todd Boehly, the club endured a turbulent 2022/23 season, finishing 12th.
The following year, Mauricio Pochettino led them to a sixth-place finish, but questions about the team’s long-term potential persisted.
Maresca’s arrival has brought renewed optimism, with Chelsea now unbeaten in five Premier League matches. Their last defeat came in October against Liverpool, who remain the pace-setters in this year’s title race.
With a nine-point gap to close and more established rivals ahead, Chelsea will need to maintain their momentum and prove they can sustain this level of performance over the course of the season.
