Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has ridiculed Mikel Arteta’s assertion that Chelsea are the best attacking team in the Premier League. Following Arsenal’s 1-0 victory over the Blues, Arteta’s comments left Merson bewildered, as he questioned the legitimacy of such a statement given Chelsea’s struggles in front of goal.
Arteta’s Surprising Statement
After Arsenal’s narrow win over Chelsea, Arteta heaped praise on the opposition, claiming, “In my opinion, they’re the best attacking team in the league. By a mile.” He cited Chelsea’s ability to create chances in open play and their individual quality across the pitch, despite the absence of key forwards Nicolas Jackson, Cole Palmer, and Noni Madueke.
However, Merson was left unconvinced. “I don’t know what I’m missing,” he wrote in his latest column. “There will be a lot of Chelsea fans thinking, ‘Wow! What is he talking about?’”
Chelsea’s Scoring Struggles
Chelsea’s attack has been far from prolific this season. Despite spending over £1.6 billion on new signings, the team has lacked a clinical edge. The Blues have managed 53 goals while conceding 37, exposing their defensive vulnerabilities. Even with Christopher Nkunku and Cole Palmer showcasing moments of brilliance, consistency in front of goal remains a concern.
Merson pointed out that when Palmer and Jackson play together, they elevate each other’s game. However, he was quick to question whether Chelsea deserved the label of the league’s most dangerous attack, stating, “They scored one goal against Leicester to win 1-0. Leicester, in their previous 20 matches, had only failed once to concede two or more goals.”
Squad Rotation and Tactical Uncertainty
Another issue Merson highlighted was Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca’s frequent changes in the starting lineup. Constantly rotating wingers and forwards has hindered the team’s chemistry. He also criticized Chelsea’s decision to send key players out on loan instead of utilizing them during an injury crisis.
Verdict
While Chelsea have potential, Arteta’s claim that they are the best attacking team appears exaggerated. With inconsistent performances and an unsettled squad, Merson’s skepticism is justified. For now, the Blues must focus on turning their attacking potential into consistent results before earning such high praise.