“They could really cause problems for the top three teams” - Gary Neville suggests what Chelsea need to do to challenge for Premier League title 

Manchester United legend Gary Neville reckons Chelsea are a top striker and goalkeeper away from competing with the Premier League top three. The Blues are coming off a 2-1 defeat at leaders Liverpool at the weekend.

The Reds opened the scoring through Mohamed Salah's penalty in the 29th minute before Nicolas Jackson hauled the Blues back on level terms three minutes into the second period.

Parity was shortlived, though, as Liverpool restored their lead in the 51st minute through Curtis Jones and defended resolutely to preserve their slender advantage. The loss snapped the Blues' seven-game unbeaten streak across competitions as Enzo Maresca's side slipped to sixth in the standings after eight games, seven points off the Reds (21).

Neville said about the competitiveness of Maresca's side on his Gary Neville podcast (via pys):

“I watched Chelsea against City, and they lost, but I then put them in the top 4. I saw something again against Liverpool.

"I think Jackson can be a part of a successful group, but if they get a world class striker and world class goalkeeper, they could really cause problems for the top three teams over the next seasons.” ( Gary Neville Podcast)

The Blues next take on Panathinaikos away in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday (October 24), having beaten Gent 4-2 at home on matchday one earlier this month.

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You have to keep the balance between attack and defence - Former Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez analyses current squad

Former Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez

Former Chelsea boss Rafael Benitez offered his thoughts on the current composition of the Blues. The Spaniard opined that the club lack the balance between attack and defence to compete for trophies.

Following their 2-1 loss at Liverpool, Benitez said that the Blues' attack is a positive but that their defence remains a work in progress. He said on BBC Match of the Day Two:

"They can be proud because they were attacking, but if you want to win trophies you have to keep the balance. You have to be sure that you're good in defence but also in attack. They are very good offensively, but are they working in defence? I'm not sure about that."

The Blues have scored 17 times in eight league games, with only Manchester City (19) and Tottenham Hotspur (18) scoring more. However, Enzo Maresca's side have conceded 10 times already, seven more than leaders Liverpool.