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Joe Cole explains what Chelsea have to do in order to mount a challenge for the PL this season

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Chelsea legend Joe Cole has expressed his confidence in the club pushing for the Premier League title this season if certain conditions are met. The Blues are third in the league, one point behind Manchester City in second and nine behind leaders Liverpool heading into Matchday 13.

Enzo Maresca took over a Chelsea side that finished sixth in the 2023-24 season and has overseen a commendable start to the 2024-25 campaign. His side have lost only two league games, against the two sides above them, this season and have 22 points.

The Blues received a significant amount of criticism at the start of the campaign due to their transfer market activities. However, they appear to be winning their doubters over with their displays this season. Joe Cole spoke about the possibility of Maresca's side challenging for the league title, pointing out that they need to stay in the race until January, at least.

"If they [Chelsea] are within six points I think they can mount a title challenge. Because knowing the owners, I think they’ll go in and have a go again (in the January transfer window)," Cole told Mail Sport (via Vince on X).

"But that is really remarkable that I’m saying that because there were times last year when you were searching for answers and we didn’t know where they’d end up."

Chelsea have struggled since the arrival of their new owners in 2022, failing to qualify for the UEFA Champions League in each of the last two seasons. The owners, led by Clearlake Capital, have shown that they aren't afraid to invest in the club, spending over £1 billion on players in the last two years.

The Blues have the youngest squad in the Premier League this season but they have looked quite mature in most of their games. They could reach second place in the league this weekend if they defeat Aston Villa and results in the Liverpool-Manchester City game go their way.

Chelsea star matches Liverpool great Mohamed Salah in key Premier League stat

Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson has emerged as the deadliest finisher in the Premier League so far this season, alongside Mohamed Salah. The Senegalese striker has found the net seven times for the Blues in only 12 appearances, matching half of his total tally from the 2023-24 season.

Jackson has the joint-highest conversion rate in the Premier League this season from players to have attempted at least 25 shots. With 25% of his shots finding the net, he sits alongside Salah, who has 10 goals, at the top of the standings.

Nicolas Jackson has established himself as a key player for Enzo Maresca's side this season, with the club rewarding him with a new contract. The 23-year-old has also recorded three assists for the Blues this season as he continues to prove himself as a £30 million bargain.

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Edited by Aditya Singh

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