John Terry names two clubs in Premier League title conversation
Chelsea legend John Terry has delivered a blunt assessment of the Premier League title race, insisting that only Arsenal and Chelsea are serious contenders this season.
His comments follow Arsenal’s emphatic 4-1 win over rivals Tottenham, a result that moved Mikel Arteta’s side six points clear at the top.
Terry backs Chelsea as Arsenal’s only real challenger
With Liverpool and Manchester City faltering, Terry believes things have shifted.
Liverpool’s alarming slump, six defeats in seven league games, capped by a 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest, has knocked them out of contention, according to the former Blues captain.
City didn’t fare much better after a damaging 2-1 defeat at Newcastle, leaving them seven points off the pace.
Chelsea, meanwhile, sit second after three straight wins and clean sheets under Enzo Maresca.
Their 2-0 victory at Burnley sets up a high-stakes showdown against Arsenal at Stamford Bridge next weekend.
“I’m not saying it’s a title decider, but I think it’s going to be one of the two teams who win the league,” Terry said in a video on TikTok. “For me, Liverpool are 100 per cent out of the title race.”
Chelsea’s progress impresses Terry
Reflecting on the win over Burnley, Terry highlighted Chelsea’s defensive resilience and improved structure.
“A good away win from the boys. We had to absorb pressure in the first half, made three unbelievable blocks. In the second half, we needed to be more clinical, especially against the top sides,” he said.
Neville urges caution over Chelsea hype
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville, however, is unconvinced. He predicts Chelsea will “tease” supporters by hovering near the top before eventually dropping off.
“They’ll move between sixth and second or third. They’re a good team but not a great one,” Neville said. He believes Chelsea still lack quality in key areas despite heavy investment and expects them to finish in the top four rather than fight for the title.
Next weekend’s clash with Arsenal, he added, will reveal whether Chelsea are genuine contenders or simply benefitting from early-season momentum.
