Emmanuel Petit believes one Premier League team have a ‘stronger squad’ than defending champions Manchester City.
The Premier League trophy looks set to be leaving the Etihad Stadium for the first time since 2020 after Man City suffered a dismal and unprecedented run, losing four games in a row.
Manchester City’s dreadful form has left them fifth in the Premier League, 11 points behind Liverpool, who are threatening to run away with the title.
Despite City’s alarming dip in form, Pep Guardiola still boasts a brilliant squad at the Etihad, able to choose from the likes of Norway superstar Erling Haaland, Belgian midfielder Kevin de Bruyne, England star Phil Foden, Portuguese defender Ruben Dias and Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson.
Manchester City’s strength in depth is such that the likes of Jack Grealish, Matheus Nunes, Jeremy Doku, Josko Gvardiol and Savinho were all on the bench for Sunday’s humbling defeat to Liverpool.
But Petit does not believe Man City have the strongest squad in the Premier League, instead giving big-spending Chelsea that accolade and tipping the Blues as ‘dark horses’ to win the title.
Chelsea have only lost three games under Enzo Maresca this season and their impressive form has raised hope of a surprising title tilt from the Stamford Bridge faithful.
Maresca has played down Chelsea’s title credentials – claiming his team are ‘not ready’ to compete with Liverpool, Arsenal or Man City – but Petit disagrees.
Speaking to Gambling Zone, he said: ‘Are Arsenal the only team who can catch Liverpool? It’s a good question. Well, to be honest, no.
‘I was with another former player the other day and they said Chelsea have no chance, but I disagree.
‘I look at the schedule and they have a very favourable run and have also played against almost every big team so far this season.
‘There is no easy game in the Premier League and there’s a long way to go, but right now I’d have to say Chelsea are dark horses as they have been excellent under Maresca.
‘The way they have transformed this season is magnificent – I will not put them away for the title.
‘My Arsenal side were 13 points behind in 1998 at Christmas time and we won it – so do not rule anyone out!
‘Everyone is forgetting that Chelsea have the strongest squad in the Premier League and with other clubs playing in the Champions League and every three days, they have a really strong opportunity to make up ground. It’s only December so do not count them out yet.’
Chelsea’s deep squad has allowed them to field two almost completely different squads for their Premier League and Europa Conference League commitments this season.
Discussing Chelsea’s revival under Maresca, Petit added: ‘It was a massive surprise that Chelsea sacked Poch, but what a decision it has proved to be.
‘They have elevated themselves to a new level under Maresca. He has done something that the former managers couldn’t do; be ruthless.
‘He has shown no pity to his players and has exiled the deadwood like Raheem Sterling.
‘He’s made it clear he is the manager and shown the door to so many players – even those who signed a year before he arrived.
‘He’s ruthless and it’s working – and it’s amazed me a lot how it’s worked so quickly for him in terms of management, building a spine and getting his team to play the way he wants to play.’
Chelsea will look to continue their promising Premier League run on Wednesday night when they face Southampton, who are currently bottom with five points from 13 games.
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