‘Nonsense’: Jamie Carragher makes claim about Chelsea next season, after what he’s heard said about Arsenal

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Jamie Carragher believes it’s ridiculous to suggest Chelsea are ‘years behind’ their rivals in terms of development.

Writing for the Telegraph, Carragher batted away the idea of the Blues being way off the pace in the race for Premier League supremacy.

Right now, it’s fair to say Graham Potter’s men are not even in the conversation for the league title.

Ahead of Saturday’s showdown with Liverpool at Anfield, Chelsea and their hosts are 19-points below leaders Arsenal.

This is a startling fall from grace, considering Mikel Arteta’s men finished beneath both their London rivals and the Reds last season.

But whilst the Gunners have shot to new heights, Potter and Jurgen Klopp have plunged to fresh depths of disappointment.

Heading in the opposite direction if Manchester United, who like Arsenal have risen from their ruins to now seriously for Manchester City’s domestic crown.

Erik ten Haag will take his team to the Emirates on Sunday for a showdown that could swing the top-flight standings in their favour.

Jamie Carragher comments on Chelsea

United and Arsenal’s revival is proof that fortunes in football can change quickly.

Hence why Carragher disputed the notion that Chelsea are no longer part of the elite Premier League pack.

“During the worst moments under Ralf Rangnick, particularly when United were ripped apart by Manchester City and Liverpool last season, the popular accusation was how ‘they were years behind the leaders’,” said the former Liverpool defender.

“The same was often said of Arsenal in the last few years, repeated when they struggled and fell below Tottenham Hotspur in the race for fourth in May. I am not being wise after the event calling that nonsense out. Clubs of Arsenal and United’s size should never be ‘years behind’. The same applies to Chelsea and Liverpool as they look to recover next season.”

This term is now more about making the best of a bad situation during a transitional period for Chelsea.

Potter was handed a squad made up of signings from former managers, with profiles and egos much bigger than he is used to.

It’s not been an easy ride for the manager, mainly due to the tidal wave of injuries that has washed away many of his best players.

Once the dust settles and the summer reshuffle gets underway, maybe then Potter can start assembling a team worthy of taking on Arsenal at the league’s summit.