Graeme Souness: Chelsea FC are the real deal but won’t win the title

Chelsea FC manager Maurizio Sarri Photo: The Sport Review

Graeme Souness believes Chelsea FC’s lack of a goal-scorer will ultimately cost Maurizio Sarri the Premier League title.

The Blues started the Premier League weekend at the top of the table following five successive victories under Antonio Conte’s replacement.

Chelsea FC eased to victories over Huddersfield Town, Bournemouth, Cardiff City, Arsenal and Newcastle United to make a promising start.

The west London side were 1-0 winners against PAOK in their Europa League opener on Thursday night before returning from Greece to London on Friday.

The Blues had 17 shots on target but couldn’t find the net at the London Stadium as Chelsea FC were held to a goalless draw with West Ham.

Alvaro Morata and Olivier Giroud have struggled to find the net in the current campaign as Chelsea FC continue to rely on Eden Hazard.

Former Liverpool FC captain Souness believes Chelsea FC need a proven striker to challenge Liverpool FC and Manchester City for the Premier League title.

“I think Chelsea are the real deal, missing an out-and-out goal-scorer,” Souness told Sky Sports.

“There’s an over-reliance on Eden Hazard, who’s arguably the best player in the Premier League.

“I think that ultimately is where they’ll come up short but with a proper striker, the title would be between three teams. Right now, it’s between two in my opinion. If you go through the Chelsea team, there’s no other obvious weakness.”

Chelsea FC will welcome Premier League leaders Liverpool FC in their next Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening.

The Blues ended up in fifth spot in Conte’s final season in charge of the west London side.

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