Chelsea's six-match winning streak in the Premier League was ended by champions Manchester City on Saturday evening.
Frank Lampard's side were being touted as potential title contenders alongside Liverpool and City following a fine start to the season, but defeat leaves them 11 points off the top of the table in fourth place.
Lots can change between now and the end of the season of course, but in Lampard's first season in the Premier League, a title tilt may be beyond them.
Lampard has impressed many by bringing through the youth players at his disposal at Stamford Bridge, with the likes of Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori thriving.
All three of those have made their senior England debuts this season, showing the high esteem in which they are held.
Former Manchester United man Roy Keane was impressed with the Blues during the 2-1 defeat to City on Saturday, and outlined what Lampard needs to do to turn them into title challengers.
Speaking on Sky Sports, he said: "They've got a lot of good players, it's been tough not bringing players in, but it's no surprise to me where they are.
"They've got a lot of good experienced players and a lot of good young players coming through but to go up to the next level in terms of challenging for the league they need to get a few lads in.
"They have enough at the moment to be top four, but they'll need to add to that.
"He knows they're just a little bit short of trying to really compete for the league title, they'll have to bring players in for that."
