Paul Merson’s recent remarks on Chelsea’s Premier League title chances have sparked a fresh debate in the football world. Speaking to Sky Sports, the former Arsenal midfielder criticised Opta’s 5.8% projection for Chelsea’s title hopes, labelling it “ridiculous.” With Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool all vying for supremacy, the conversation around the league’s title race has intensified.
Arsenal Narrow Gap on Chelsea with Dominant Display
Arsenal made a statement on Saturday with a resounding 5-1 win over Crystal Palace. The victory, powered by Gabriel Jesus’ brace, brought Mikel Arteta’s side within a point of Chelsea. Despite their impressive showing, questions remain about Arsenal’s consistency, particularly after recent draws against Everton and other mid-table opponents.
Chelsea, however, have a chance to reclaim the top spot on Sunday with a win against Everton. That position, though, is contingent on Liverpool’s result against Tottenham later in the day. Liverpool remain firm favourites to win the league, with an 80.2% chance according to Opta, compared to Arsenal’s 13.2% and Chelsea’s mere 5.8%.
Merson took exception to the low probability assigned to Chelsea, citing their lack of European distractions as a significant advantage.
Merson Criticises Chelsea’s Title Odds
“Well, that 5.8 per cent needs to be bigger, whatever happens,” Merson said. “That’s ridiculous. Arsenal need consistency, as Mikel Arteta said. They’ve drawn their last two games. Drawing at home to Everton—the chances they had—they’ve got to win those games, they’ve got to be more ruthless, they’ve got to put those teams away.
“Bit inconsistent but they’re right in there. Forget the two games in hand; if I was Liverpool, I’d forget the two games in hand because that comes around. For me, I look at the league like it is now. Arsenal are in it. I’d definitely be having Chelsea at more than 5.8 per cent.
“The thing with Chelsea is they’ve got no distractions. They’re not in Europe; they’ve got another team for European football—Cole Palmer, none of them play. They’ve got no two-legged Carabao Cup games in January and February.
“Chelsea are in this 100 per cent. But Arsenal are probably 13 per cent and Chelsea five [per cent] because they haven’t been in this position.”
Picture:IMAGO
Liverpool’s Squad Depth Provides Key Advantage
While Chelsea have the benefit of focus, Liverpool’s strength in depth could prove decisive in the title race. Speaking about Liverpool’s current dominance, Jamie Redknapp highlighted their ability to rotate effectively, even amidst injury challenges.
“Liverpool are the team right now in great form, but we all know how quickly form can disappear. They’ve actually been brilliant because they’ve done it with a few injuries as well,” Redknapp commented.
“What Liverpool have got that I think Arsenal still need… is that when everyone is fit, they can bring on so many people off the bench to make an impact. Arsenal are just short in that area.
“[Gabriel] Jesus is going to be interesting in how they utilise him in games, but I think they need another striker, another forward player, someone who can come in off the wide, to add some goals and a bit of experience to bolster that forward line.
“At times, it feels if Saka is going to be out for however long, have they got someone who can fill that void? I think they will be short one or two players still.”
Assessing the Title Contenders
As the Premier League enters a crucial stage, Merson’s comments underline Chelsea’s credentials despite their outsider status. Their lack of European commitments could allow Mauricio Pochettino’s side to maintain focus during a packed domestic schedule.
Liverpool remain the team to beat, with their consistent form and depth setting them apart from both Arsenal and Chelsea. Arsenal, on the other hand, need to address their inability to finish off lower-ranked teams—a flaw that could prove costly in a title race likely to go down to the wire.
Merson’s views may divide opinion, but his belief in Chelsea as genuine contenders highlights the unpredictable nature of this year’s Premier League campaign.