Gary Neville believes Chelsea's transfer market activity will see them push for second place this season under Xabi Alonso in his first season in charge. The former Manchester United defender has been impressed by their work in the transfer window, but still expects Arsenal to win the Premier League title.
Arsenal's early statement
The Gunners have made an emphatic start with back-to-back 3-0 wins, first over Manchester City in the Community Shield and then against Coventry City in their Premier League opener. Despite missing several players through injury and fitness issues, Mikel Arteta's side made light work of the top-flight newcomers on Friday.
Manchester City snatched a late winner against Bournemouth, while Liverpool needed a late penalty to draw with Newcastle United. Manchester United and Tottenham were both beaten by Hull City and Brentford respectively.
Chelsea's new signings and campaign start
Alonso and Chelsea kick off their Premier League campaign at Craven Cottage, having brought in Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix in two statement signings to strengthen their squad. Both players started Chelsea's Premier League curtain raiser against Fulham, while Enzo Fernandez, linked with a move to City, had to settle for a place on the bench.
Despite the new additions, both Neville and Jamie Carragher believe it will take something special to beat Arsenal in the title race. Speaking on Monday Night Football ahead of Chelsea's game against Fulham, Neville said: "It's a big ask, with the quality Arsenal have, the strength they have, the confidence. But I think Chelsea, looking at the rest of [the contenders], and what Chelsea have done in this transfer window, I think they're in a good place. They could push for second."
Carragher's view on Chelsea's potential
Carragher added: "We're looking at Chelsea doing OK on the fact Alonso has come in - it feels they've done really well to get a manager of that calibre, given how poor last season was - and the fact they have no European football, and they've been in the transfer market. There's definitely a shift there. They've realised mistakes they've made in the past. Chelsea have got five or six really top players."
"Morgan Rogers and Maxence Lacroix could add to that. They're the two signings I really look at. If you add them to those five or six players and they perform well and settle in, that's why we think they could have a really good season."
