Paul Merson warned Leeds United and Crystal Palace about the ‘gulf’ between them and the top four, as he told Sky Sports News (14/08/21 at 5:10 pm).
Both Leeds and Palace were well-beaten on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season against Manchester United and Chelsea, respectively.
Merson shared that the London club were a ‘million miles behind’ their neighbours and Marcelo Bielsa’s side were ‘blown away’ by their bitter rivals.
“The gulf,” said Merson “He (Patrick Vieira) played in one of the best Premier League teams of all time and there was a gulf.
“It was proven. Palace were a million miles behind Chelsea. I have said it before, the top four will be a league in themselves, it’s whoever wins that league because I can’t see any other teams touching that top four.
“We see Man United beat Leeds five. And Leeds are supposed to be one of the best of the rest and they got blown away.”
For Palace, they don’t have to worry too much about the gap between them and those challenging for the Premier League title.
Not much was expected of them this season, and in truth, there was worry that they could be in a real relegation dogfight after the departure of Roy Hodgson.
But after Leeds’ top ten finish last time out, there was hope that they could be pushing for Europe.
And whilst the Whites aren’t expected to tussle with those near the top, that heavy defeat at Old Trafford wouldn’t have gone down well with the fans.
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