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Roy Keane has doubted Chelsea's Premier League title credentials by highlighting three issues in Enzo Maresca's team. The Blues have made a promising start to the season and sit fifth heading into a clash with Aston Villa (December 1).
The west Londoners' performances have vastly improved from last season when they were inconsistent. Maresca has implemented an exciting brand of football at Stamford Bridge, overseeing six wins and two defeats in 12 league games.
Keane doesn't think Chelsea can be viewed as title contenders because of concerns with their goalkeeper, defense and a lack of experience. The Irish pundit, who won seven titles with Manchester United, told Sky Sports:
"I don't see there's any chance of them winning the title, I think they're entertaining, good to watch, they're good going forward. But there's still question marks in terms of lack of experience, question marks over the goalkeeper, the center halves, I'm not convinced."
Chelsea has the youngest squad in the Premier League, with an average age of 23.4 (per Transfermarkt). Cole Palmer, 22, Moises Caicedo, 23, Levi Colwill, 21, and Nicolas Jackson, 23, are four of Maresca's most important players.
Robert Sanchez, 27, is Maresca's No.1 despite many doubting the Spanish goalkeeper's reliability. He's kept two clean sheets in 12 league games but made the odd mistake and was nervy in a 2-1 loss to leaders Liverpool (October 20).
Colwill is joined in defense by Wesley Fofana, who returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo are Maresca's other options in central defense. They've conceded 14 goals in 12 games so far this Premier League campaign.
Enzo Maresca downplayed Chelsea's title chances
Enzo Maresca echoed Roy Keane's view on a potential title challenge (Image - Getty)" srcset="https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/ec4b5-17330606774369-1920.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/ec4b5-17330606774369-1920.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/ec4b5-17330606774369-1920.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/ec4b5-17330606774369-1920.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/ec4b5-17330606774369-1920.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/ec4b5-17330606774369-1920.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/ec4b5-17330606774369-1920.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/12/ec4b5-17330606774369-1920.jpg 1920w">
Enzo Maresca echoed Roy Keane's view on a potential title challenge (Image - Getty)
Maresca made clear that he's not expecting Chelsea to be in the title race but likes the pressure that comes with it. The Italian pointed towards the Blues' improvements this season (via beIN Sports):
"No [Chelsea are not in the title race], I said it many times," Maresca said. "I really like the pressure. I'd like to say: 'Yes, we're there' - but we're not there. It's nice to see the team improving, that is important; it is nice, a good feeling."
The last time the west Londoners won the title was 2017 and they have been crowned champions five times. They sit nine points behind leaders Liverpool but can move to within six points with a home win over Villa.
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Edited by Matthew Guyett