Paul Merson has warned Chelsea ‘it won’t be too long’ before the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham close the gap on them if they continue their current run of form in the Premier League.
On Saturday, Chelsea suffered a shock 4-1 defeat to Brentford at Stamford Bridge that left many perplexed by what they were seeing from the European champions against the newly-promoted side.
Whilst Thomas Tuchel will firmly want his players to think about their upcoming Champions League tie against Real Madrid.
The Premier League table might just worry them because the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham are closing that gap.
Spurs, who beat Newcastle 5-1 on Sunday, are five points behind having played a game extra, but most importantly, fifth-placed Arsenal are the same number of points behind, with a game in hand and a meeting with Chelsea to come.
Either way, these final few months of the season could become a bit of a blockbuster, as Merson shared on Sky Sports News whether he worries about the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham, and Manchester United catching the West London club in the table.
“Not so much, at the moment,” said Merson. “I think it could all change. Chelsea have got a big game this week against Real Madrid. They have to pick themselves up.
“I just think Chelsea aren’t the same team when they don’t play a back three – that (defeat to Brentford) would have knocked the stuffing out of them a little bit. Getting beat 4-1 at home.
On games against Arsenal and Man United coming up: “Confidence goes when you get beat like that – I expect them to get into the top-four still. It would have to be a massive collapse, in my opinion.
“But, if they keep putting in performances like that and getting beat 4-1 by Brentford. Then, it won’t be too long before they close that gap.”
Even after such a horror defeat for Chelsea, they should still get the job done in, not just securing top-four, but third place also.
They are due to play Manchester United and Arsenal during these coming weeks, which adds a little bit more spice to those matches because, especially the Gunners, will feel they can close the gap on them.
But, all it will take is one turn of result and Chelsea, who are looking to defend their Champions League crown, to feel more comfortable in the Premier League.
From losing to Brentford, the Blues will probably go onto beating Real Madrid on Wednesday night now.
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