Deeney believes that the team’s defense is not strong enough to help them win major trophies. ..Continue Reading
Chelsea earned a 2-1 victory over Leicester on Saturday, keeping them in third place in the table, level on points with Arsenal and Brighton, and just one point behind Manchester City.
However, they remain six points behind Liverpool, who could widen that gap with a win over Southampton on Sunday.
Since Todd Boehly’s takeover, Chelsea has struggled, finishing 12th and 6th in the past two seasons.
However, under Enzo Maresca, they seem to have regained their form. While reaching the top four was the initial goal for this season, their strong start has led some to believe they might be in contention for the title.
Deeney acknowledges this possibility but insists that Chelsea cannot be serious title contenders unless they address their defensive and goalkeeping weaknesses.
‘Right now they should be looking at [the title race],’ the former striker told talkSPORT.
‘But I still think that goalkeeper [Robert Sanchez] and the defenders keep letting in poor goals.
‘That should have been an easy 2-0 win, if not a 3-0 win. Just open at the back today and I think that’s why they have to go for top four right now.
‘Unless in January they go out and get a couple of signings, that backline is going to cost them.’
Chelsea have managed only two clean sheets in their first 12 Premier League matches, with goalkeeper Robert Sanchez facing heavy criticism for several error-filled performances.
Although the club invested £20.5 million to sign Danish goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen during the summer, he has been limited to appearances in cup and European competitions. For now, manager Enzo Maresca seems committed to sticking with Sanchez as his first-choice keeper.
In their recent match against Leicester, Chelsea’s defense appeared shaky at times, even conceding a penalty in injury time.
However, it’s worth noting they were not playing with their preferred backline. Both right-backs, Reece James and Malo Gusto, were sidelined due to injuries, while center-back Levi Colwill played despite being unwell and alarmingly collapsed on the pitch after the game.
Despite the defensive concerns, Maresca may have no choice but to rely on his current squad.
The club has already spent over £300 million assembling its defensive and goalkeeping options, making new signings unlikely for the time being.
