'For sure' - Darren Bent predicts where Chelsea will finish in Premier League this season after strong start
Chelsea have won three lost one and drawn one of their first five games of the season.
Former Tottenham striker Darren Bent has been speaking about Chelsea’s start to the season, which has surprised many who predicted they would struggle under Enzo Maresca. The Blues have won their last three away games and are set to take on Brighton this weekend as strong favourites to win.
On Tuesday evening, they put five past League Two side Barrow in a show of real strength to progress to the fourth round of the League Cup, where they will face either Newcastle United or Wimbledon away from home.
Bent, who hinted that he’s been impressed with the way Chelsea have started the season, does not believe they can win the league title yet. However, he did suggest Marseca’s side could finish in the top four, which would be a significant step forward given they haven’t been close to that in recent seasons.
He said on talkSPORT: “Not yet. I don’t think. Because they have not been there for a while. Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City have been fighting it out for a little bit of time. Certainly, if they finish in the top four this season comfortably, playing well, then next season for sure.”
Last season, Chelsea endured a tough campaign but managed to rally and finish sixth in the league. However, they missed out on Europa League football because Manchester United surprisingly beat Manchester City, leading Chelsea to settle for the Europa Conference League. This, however, has given them another opportunity to potentially win a trophy this season.
Maresca has insisted that the owners have not demanded that he win anything or finish in the top four this season, but even he will know that Chelsea have long prided themselves on winning major trophies. Achieving that in his first season at the club would be seen as a massive boost to the project.