John Obi Mikel has offered a scathing review of Chelsea following their Premier League defeat to Sunderland.
Saturday’s meeting got off to a perfect start for the Blues when Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring inside four minutes, netting his first goal after leaving Manchester United.
However, the Blues failed to make their early dominance count, with young forward Marc Guiu really struggling against Sunderland.
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Chelsea were eventually punished for not grabbing a second, with Regis Le Bris’ side fighting back to secure a huge 2-1 win.
John Obi Mikel has now shared his verdict on the performance and was less than kind about a couple of players.
John Obi Mikel during the Nigeria training at Wembley Stadium
Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images
John Obi Mikel criticises Chelsea centre-backs after Sunderland
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast on Tuesday, the former Blues midfielder slammed the defending he saw from Enzo Maresca’s men on Saturday, showing particular ire for the club’s centre-backs.
He said: “The way we conceded the last goal was just absolutely awful defending. Awful defending. And you know, I mentioned it so many times, we can’t win.
“We just don’t have good enough defenders. We don’t have good enough defenders. The defenders that we have right now, the centre-backs that we have right now, we can’t win the Premier League with those centre-backs. We can’t win the Premier League.
“And you can see it with Arsenal, isn’t it? Defenders, win you the title. Yes, the strikers win games, but defenders do win you the title. Defenders win you the league. And now Arsenal have conceded just three goals in the Premier League in nine games. Absolutely brilliant. We’ve said it so many times. If anybody can win this Premier League this season, it’s got to be Arsenal. They have the best team.”
After Sunderland, Chelsea have shipped 11 goals in nine Premier League matches this season.
Bournemouth are the only team currently in the top five who have conceded as many as the West Londoners.
The Blues will, however, have the chance to strengthen their backline in the near future.
Chelsea transfer plan to improve defence
TBR Football has learned that FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been offered to Chelsea, Man United and Tottenham
At least one new central defender should be heading to Stamford Bridge in 2026 as well.
Dayot Upamecano is an option and could potentially be available on a free transfer when his Bayern Munich contract expires.
Elsewhere, TBR Football understands that Chelsea have watched Ezri Konsa at various points over the last year.