Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Lee - Chelsea FC/Chelsea FC via Getty Images
Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by JUAN MABROMATA / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images
Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images
Ultimately, it is very unlikely that Chelsea will challenge for the Premier League crown this term. However, Johnson can envision them in the equation next year, but only if Alonso is given time to build like Arteta.
In an interview with football.london on behalf of Live Football Tickets, the former Chelsea and Liverpool defender said: “Everyone needs to do what Arteta has done, right? Because it worked very well. They need this year for building and possibly even next season.
“But if this season goes well, I can’t rule them out for a title and title race next year. They just need to keep progressing.”
One reason why Chelsea have no chance of being in this season’s title race is their midfield. It is a huge weakness costing them points right now.
Moises Caicedo has not been there to sweep up because of injury, while Enzo Fernandez is no longer at the club to keep the ball and score goals. Chelsea could sign Alex Scott in January, but Bournemouth’s determination to retain him until at least the summer makes it seem unlikely.
By then, it would probably be too late anyway. Chelsea are already eight points behind Fernandez’s new team City, and that gap will not decrease if the Blues continue to play as they have lately.
The aim should be the title, even now. Chelsea are one of England’s biggest clubs and invest so much money into their squad each year.
After finishing 10th last season, the main objective will be qualifying for the Champions League. That goal is not out of reach, but Chelsea need to start picking up wins again, starting from this Saturday when they take on Bournemouth.
The bad news is referee Samuel Barrott will be in charge at Stamford Bridge, and the Blues have a pretty poor record when he officiates their games.