Chelsea Faces Premier League Title Doubts Amid Defensive Concerns and Transfer Criticism

Chelsea FC faces significant challenges in their bid to win the 2025/26 English Premier League, as noted by former players and experts. John Mikel Obi criticized the club's lack of quality goalkeepers, which aligns with Paul Merson's view that Chelsea's transfer strategy, focusing on young players without securing a top goalkeeper like Robert Sanchez's replacement, hampers their title ambitions. Chelsea's defensive vulnerabilities and tactical struggles were exposed in recent matches, including a poor first-half performance against Lincoln City and issues dealing with defensive ploys, according to analysis of their gameplay under manager Enzo Maresca. Despite making significant signings and winning the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League and the 2025 FIFA World Cup, Chelsea trail early league leaders Liverpool by seven points, with Maresca expressing concern that catching them might already be impossible. Former scout Mick Brown echoed these sentiments, highlighting Chelsea's defensive weaknesses and lack of readiness to challenge top clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal. Overall, while Chelsea has a promising squad and substantial investment, persistent issues in goalkeeping, defense, and tactical execution undermine their Premier League title prospects this season.