BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JULY 09: Gary Neville is interviewed ahead of the Premier League match between Aston Villa and Manchester United at Villa Park on July 09, 2020 in Birmingham, England. Football Stadiums around Europe remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in all fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Gary Neville felt Man City was in a pole position to retain their Premier League crown, but after just a matter of games, he seems to have suggested Chelsea might be the team to stop.
Chelsea’s win at Tottenham looks has left an impression on Gary Neville, who cannot see how they won’t push for the Premier League title.
In north London, the Blues rode an early storm before Thomas Tuchel’s tweaks saw them dominate the second half and run out 3-0 winners.
It means Chelsea have now won four of their opening five games as they look to build on last season’s Champions League triumph.
Tuchel has enjoyed his first summer transfer window and will now attempt to win England’s top flight at his first attempt.
Neville has cited Chelsea’s strength in depth as another major perk as he highlighted flaws in their title other title rivals.
“This Chelsea team will challenge for the title. – I can’t see any way they want,” he said on the Gary Neville Podcast.
“Of course, they can get injuries, but look at the bench and forget the first team. They seem to have everything.
“At this moment in time, I do believe Liverpool aren’t the team of a few years ago, even though they’re perfect.
“City haven’t got that striker, Manchester United is doing OK, but they’re not the team of Chelsea.
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“Manchester United’s team performance at West Ham was nothing like the one of Chelsea’s at Spurs – that’s a proper team performance.
“If Manchester United wins this league, it will be through momentum and moments. But Chelsea is a better team than Manchester United when you watch them. Our eyes don’t lie.”
Neville had initially been tipped City for the title as they aimed to go back-to-back once again under Pep Guardiola.
Failing to land a striker could be a significant blow, and they’ve already dropped five points this term.
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Before the season kicked off, the Sky Sports pundit felt that they would be the team to beat, irrespective of whether they added a striker.
He said: “You’ve still got to go with Man City at this point because of what they’ve done over the last few years [regardless of what happens with Kane.
“Chelsea has still got to prove themselves, and Manchester United has got to prove themselves, Liverpool has got to prove they can get back to that level where they were before.”
The city will travel to Chelsea on Saturday in what is a heavyweight clash.
Guardiola’s side won this fixture last term, while Frank Lampard was still in charge.
Since Tuchel’s arrival, the Blues have beaten City three times in three different competitions, including the European Cup final in Porto back in the summer.
