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Former Chelsea centre-back Frank Lebouef doesn't see the Blues as Premier League contenders this season despite Enzo Maresca's side being second in the standings after 14 games,
After a quiet start to the season, the Blues have built up momentum in recent weeks. Following a 1-1 draw at Arsenal last month, they have won four times across competitions, including thrice in the Premier League.
Successive 3-0 home wins over Aston Villa and a 5-1 victory at Southampton have propelled Maresca's side above the Gunners on goal difference. However, Lebouef - a Blues legend - reckons Arsenal and Liverpool, and not his former side, are contenders in the title race, telling ESPN FC (via the Metro):
"In the title race, I still put Arsenal and Liverpool. I think City are going to struggle. I don’t have Chelsea in the title race. Only Arsenal and Liverpool for me. I want to be cautious. Arsenal can react well, and if Liverpool start losing points like today."
The Reds dropped points in a 3-3 draw at Newcastle United but remain eight points clear at the top after 14 games.
"They (Liverpool) should’ve won that game, even if it was a fair result at 3-2, they should have won," the Frenchman said. "Chelsea, I want to be cautious because they are still young players and the confidence can easily lose it because of the inexperience."
The Blues last won the Premier League in 2017, while Liverpool's last title triumph was in 2020. Meanwhile, the Gunners haven't won the league since their memorable 'Invincibles' triumph in 2004.
What's next for Chelsea?
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Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca
Chelsea are in the midst of a solid season under Enzo Maresca, who won the Championship with Leicester City last season. They are the closest challengers to leaders Liverpool in the Premier League title race, while they have also fared well in the continent.
Maresca's side are one of two sides to win their opening four UEFA Europa Conference League games, topping the standings ahead of Legia Warsaw - who are yet to concede - on goal difference.
Following their emphatic win at Southampton, the Blues will be on the road again, as they visit Tottenham Hotspur in the league on Sunday (December 8). Four days later, they travel to Astana in the Conference League, as they look to become the first team to win the Champions League, Europa League and the Conference League.
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Edited by Bhargav