**Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher believes Chelsea’s porous defence could undermine their title challenge.**
The Blues are currently just two points behind Arne Slot’s side in the Premier League table but Carragher has questioned whether they are legitimate contenders for top spot:
“I still look at them and don’t see a title-winning team in there… Just because when I look at the goalkeeper and the two centre-backs.”
Robert Sanchez is currently Chelsea’s first-choice keeper while Levi Colwill has had multiple partners in the middle of defence so far this campaign.
The stats back up Carragher’s point
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Average non-penalty xG conceded per 90 minutes can give us a good indicator of which teams can sustain a title challenge. Anything below 1 non-penalty xG conceded is seen as a good sign that a team can contend for the league.
Liverpool’s figure currently stands at 0.92, which is the second-best in the Premier League (behind Arsenal on 0.84). Chelsea, meanwhile are on 1.26 (the joint 7th best along with Fulham).
The margin may look small on paper but, over the course of the season, the difference in terms of conceding chances will become significant. Based on probability, Liverpool are more likely to win games than Chelsea due to their ability to restrict opponents from creating scoring opportunities.
Liverpool have to regain some momentum
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While the stats still point in the Reds’ favour, the fact that they have dropped points in recent weeks means their lead at the top of the table has been eroded.
The club’s fortunes could change dramatically with so many fixtures over the next few weeks so getting back to winning ways as soon as possible is crucial. After playing [**Southampton in the Carabao Cup**](https://walkon.com/blog/liverpool-vs-southampton-predicted-xi/), Slot’s men travel to Spurs this weekend before hosting Leicester City at Anfield on Boxing Day.
[**Find out who is in Liverpool’s first-team squad for 2024/2025 season here**](https://walkon.com/blog/liverpool-first-team-squad-transfer-news/)