The Premier League title race is taking shape, but one former goalkeeper isn't convinced Chelsea has any realistic shot at claiming the crown. Shaka Hislop, a veteran of the top flight, delivered a blunt assessment of the Blues’ prospects despite their recent climb to second place in the standings.
Chelsea secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Wolves, a result that propelled them up the table. However, Hislop remains unwavering in his skepticism, dismissing their chances with startling directness. He stated, with little room for debate, that Chelsea’s odds of winning the league are effectively zero – assigning a mere 0.5% probability.
“They won’t win the league,” Hislop declared. “Even at 1000/1, I wouldn’t take that bet right now.” His conviction stems from a deeper analysis than simply looking at recent results; it’s a judgment based on the overall strength and consistency required to conquer the Premier League.
While Liverpool legend Steve Nicol offered a slightly more cautious perspective – acknowledging that “you can say never” – he still admitted he’d be “very surprised” to see Chelsea lift the trophy. Hislop, however, stood firm, reiterating his belief that a title win is simply not within reach for the West London club this season.
Elsewhere, Arsenal experienced a frustrating setback, surrendering a late equalizer to Sunderland in a 2-2 draw. Manager Mikel Arteta described the result as a “kick in the stomach,” a painful blow just before the international break.
Despite the disappointment, Arteta emphasized his team’s “very strong position” in the league. He acknowledged Sunderland’s tactical approach, designed to disrupt and capitalize on set pieces and direct play, a strategy they executed effectively.
Arteta pointed out the increasing prevalence of such challenging matches within the Premier League, requiring robust defensive work and the ability to withstand physical pressure. He conceded that his team conceded a goal from a situation they knew was a Sunderland strength.
Looking ahead, Arteta expressed optimism about the return of key players from injury, hoping to alleviate the strain on the squad and allow for greater rotation. He remains confident in his team’s overall quality and their ability to compete at the highest level, despite this recent stumble.
