Michael Owen has stated that he ‘rules out’ Chelsea in the Premier League title race after their 2-2 draw against Liverpool on Sunday at Stamford Bridge, as he told Premier League Productions.
Former Chelsea player-manager, Glenn Hoddle, agreed and thinks Chelsea just ‘had to win’ against Liverpool.
It will be mixed emotions for those in Chelsea colours because, on one hand, they came from 2-0 down to secure a deserved point – and probably should have got more.
But, on the other, a point isn’t helpful to them because they have dropped too many points over the festive period.
Whilst Liverpool will feel the same, they do have a game in hand on the runaway leaders Manchester City.
Plus, Pep Guardiola’s side will welcome Chelsea to the Etihad after the FA Cup fixtures kick in next week.
This is what Owen and Hoddle had to say about the title race following Sunday’s draw between Chelsea and Liverpool.
“The only problem is that with Manchester City setting such as a surging pace,” said Owen. “Both teams will be probably saying ‘does a point do us any good?’ And the answer is probably no.
“I think that might rule Chelsea out of the title race, I must say and Liverpool have a big challenge to claw it back. Neither team will be happy tonight.”
Hoddle added: “I think I would agree with him. I think they had to win. I think Chelsea needed to win. Liverpool have got that game in hand. It’s a great weekend for Manchester City.”
Manchester City holds a ten-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, but that can be cut down to eight if Liverpool win their game in hand.
Plus, if Pep Guardiola’s side then suffers a defeat to Chelsea next week, then it could be cut down to five by Liverpool and seven by Thomas Tuchel’s men.
Either way, this four-way title race that was dreamt up by the footballing media at the start of the season has been blown up in smoke in next to no time.
Come the end of February, the scientific equipment will probably come out by the media, who will try and cook up a title race that’s going to be… on yet another occasion… be cake-walked by Man City.
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