Chelsea cannot be considered Premier League title contenders until they have shown they can beat the league’s best sides, according to Graeme Souness.
Frank Lampard’s side have found a level of consistency and are unbeaten in their last 11 games across all competitions.
The Blues were held to a 0-0 draw by Premier League leaders Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon, while their one league defeat this season came against defending champions Liverpool in September.
Sunday’s stalemate leaves Chelsea just two points off the top of the table but Souness is not yet convinced they have what it takes to challenge for the trophy.
“Chelsea as title contenders? I’m not convinced and won’t be until they start beating the big boys, the teams who have won the title in the last few years,” the former Liverpool midfielder wrote for the Sunday Times.
“It’s all very well winning comfortably against Burnley, Sheffield United and Newcastle United as they have recently, but let’s not forget their 2-0 home defeat by Liverpool at the start of the season.
“That’s the standard that Frank Lampard’s side need to reach to challenge the champions. At best, I’d make them outsiders in this strange season. They should finish in the top four, but I can’t see them pushing to win the league yet.
“There’s still a few things for Frank to fix before that’s a realistic target for his team.”
Chelsea spent around £230million in the summer transfer window to strengthen their squad with the signings of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy.
While the majority have made a positive impression at Stamford Bridge, Souness remains concerned about the Blues’ central defensive options.
Thiago Silva joined the Blues on a free transfer after his contract at Paris Saint-Germain expired, but at 36 years old he is unlikely to be a long-term addition, while Souness is scathing about his defensive partners.
“Thiago Silva is a short-term signing and whoever he plays with is not good enough for where they want to be, which is winning the Premier League and the Champions League,” he wrote.
“With the way Frank wants to play, on the front foot and dominating possession, that needs addressing as soon as possible.”
Chelsea travel to Spain to face Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday before welcoming Leeds United to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
The Blues can fulfil Souness’ criteria of beating fellow members of the so-called Big Six in the coming months, when they play Arsenal on Boxing Day and Manchester City on January 2.
