Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville (Picture: YouTube)
Gary Neville has responded to a ‘bold’ claim about Chelsea not only catching Premier League leaders Liverpool but overtaking them in the coming weeks.
Fears that Chelsea would struggle following another chaotic transfer window and the arrival of new manager Enzo Maresca have proven to be unfounded.
The Blues are second in the Premier League after 15 games – four points behind leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand.
Maresca’s side have been one of the most impressive and exciting teams in England, with their tally of 35 league goals comfortably the most in the division.
Chelsea’s form shows no sign of slowing down and a favourable run of fixtures over the festive period could result in plenty more points heading to Stamford Bridge.
The west London side face Brentford next weekend and then take on Everton, Fulham, Ipswich Town, Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Wolves before a huge clash with Manchester City on January 25.
Given Chelsea’s favourable fixture list and impressive form, sports broadcaster Rebecca Lowe believes the Premier League could have new leaders come the start of 2025.
Tottenham Hotspur FC v Chelsea FC - Premier League
Chelsea are currently second in the Premier League (Picture: Getty)
‘Chelsea have a really interesting run coming up,’ she said on The Overlap US. ‘Their run is quite straightforward.
‘I think they could be top by the turn of the year. They have to be taken seriously, they are definitely in the title race.’
Responding to Lowe’s comments, former Manchester United and England defender Neville said: ‘I agree with Enzo Maresca actually that they’re not going to win it – but they’re definitely in it [the title race].
‘They’ve got a good run of games coming up – you would think they will amass a lot of points before the New Year.
Girona FC v Liverpool FC - UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6
Liverpool boss Arne Slot (Picture: Getty)
‘They could get close to Liverpool… whether they will be top by New Year’s Day, that’s a bold statement from you but if it comes true you’re going to look very clever.
‘It’s the perfect run for a team in form for that winter stretch. They shouldn’t be disrespected those teams because things can happen in the Premier League at any point and they’re all fighting for points.
‘But there’s no excuses for Chelsea not to get a little closer to Liverpool with the way they’re playing.
‘If they do get closer they won’t be able to deny the expectations but I won’t be piling pressure on them because they are well ahead of schedule, the job Maresca has done is incredible.
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‘But I still think they will fall short.’
Chelsea’s title rivals Liverpool have shot to the top of the Premier League under Jurgen Klopp’s replacement Arne Slot and also sit top of the revamped Champions League group phase with six wins from six.
One of the main players behind Chelsea’s resurgence has been Cole Palmer and Neville admits he has been blown away by his performances since leaving Manchester City in the summer of 2023.
‘You watch his interviews and he just looks like… whatever, it’s what I do,’ Neville added.
‘He’s an exceptional talent, he’s beautiful to watch. He’s a star in a group of very good players.
‘He was £40m and at the time I didn’t question him coming to Chelsea but I questioned them signing another wide player, thinking they had this batch of wide players like Mudryk and Madueke.
‘I was thinking how many more do they need to sign of this type? What he’s gone on to become, no-one could have expected it and I certainly didn’t.
‘He is exceptional and to get that level of precision and class, the final pass, the right touch, with someone so young, it’s amazing.’
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