Chelsea are in the Premier League title race and an improvement at the back will make them serious contenders for top spot, claims former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves.
Chelsea won their sixth consecutive league match on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.
The victory moved Frank Lampard’s side above both Manchester City and Leicester City into second place in the table, five points off leaders Liverpool.
Following the match, BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey said: “We’ve spoken a lot about Manchester City and Liverpool.
If they just tidy up that defensive part they are going to be there, they’ll be in the title race
Owen Hargreaves on Chelsea
“I’ve not heard anyone mention Chelsea being in the title race, but they are aren’t they?"
Hargreaves insists Chelsea’s youngsters are surprising many but says they must concede fewer goals.
The pundit replied: “[They are] quietly chipping away and that’s what you want from these young kids.
“Nobody knew before the season this many of these young players would play.
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Owen Hargreaves believes Chelsea are in the Premier League title race (Image: GETTY/BT SPORT)
Hargreaves says Chelsea need to improve defensively to be serious title contenders (Image: BT SPORT)
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“The thing is, they’ve thrown them in and as we say with young players, they sink or swim.
“They’re all swimming and they’re flying right now under Frank. He’s making all the right decisions, [N’Golo] Kante’s back in the side, that’s huge, and if they get [Antonio] Rudiger back that’s huge, kept a clean sheet.
“The only thing I think for Frank is they’re second, that’s unbelievable but they’ve conceded as many goals as Newcastle. Offensively they’re outrageously good.
“If they just tidy up that defensive part they are going to be there, they’ll be in the title race.”
“Frank won’t thank us, he’ll like to be even more quiet about it.
“But going into this two weeks now I think you’re really going to take stock, address, and think how well Chelsea have done. They’re in and amongst it now.”