Enzo Fernandez says 4 teams can deny Arsenal the Premier League title | Football

Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez has named the five teams he views as ‘contenders’ to win the Premier League this season.

Arsenal, bidding to win their first league title since 2004, boast a five-point lead at the highest of the table after losing just certainly one of their first 13 games.

The Gunners could possibly be even further clear of their rivals but didn’t beat ten-man Chelsea on the weekend, being forced to settle with a degree after Mikel Merino cancelled out Trevoh Chalobah’s opener at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were second going into the London derby but slipped to 3rd after Manchester City scored an injury-time winner in a dramatic 3-2 win over Leeds United.

Aston Villa are level on points with third-placed Chelsea, while Brighton and newly-promoted Sunderland are in European places ahead of Manchester United and defending champions Liverpool.

Liverpool are making a hash of their title defence – losing almost half of their league games to slide nine points behind early pacesetters Arsenal.

But Fernandez still views Liverpool as ‘contenders’ to win the Premier League – together with Chelsea, Arsenal, Man City and Man United.

‘In fact we’re [title contenders],’ the £115m Chelsea star told GiveMeSport.

‘This season, there are lots of contenders: Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United. All of the teams are battling towards the highest. There are some very strong Premier League sides.

‘Arsenal have also been doing very well for a few years. And Liverpool are a fantastic side. I’m not going to decide on one because they’re all good.’

Fernandez is hopeful that Chelsea is not going to only challenge for the Premier League but enjoy a productive run within the Champions League.

The Argentina international added: ‘We all know the Champions League could be very tough.

‘We’ll try to achieve the ultimate, which is what we deserve as a club. We’ve been doing well, so we’re able to being right up there.’

Chelsea’s sensational spending seemed to be hindering the team within the early era of Todd Boehly’s tenure however the Blues have turned a corner over the past 12 months.

An inevitable Conference League win was followed up by a formidable triumph on the Club World Cup over the summer.

‘After I arrived, there have been so many players coming and going,’ Fernandez said on Chelsea’s progress.

‘It was a tough period with so many players within the dressing room. We almost didn’t all fit! I believe there have been 30 of us and even over 30 players. It was crazy…

‘And there have been many manager changes before, ultimately, Chelsea went for Enzo Maresca. That’s when the club began to construct more solid foundations as a gaggle.

‘We developed our footballing identity, which has been great for the squad. Now you possibly can see how settled we’re and what a talented squad we have now.

‘We’re a extremely good side and all of us hit it off on and off the pitch. For the last 18 months to 2 years, we’ve had such positive feelings here.’

While Arsenal, Chelsea and Man City’s title credentials are fairly clear, it’s trickier to make a case for Liverpool and Manchester United.

Reigning champions Liverpool were favourites to win the title again following a surprising summer spending spree but Arne Slot’s side have struggled badly.

Liverpool had lost nine of their last 12 games – the club’s worst run since 1953 – before a much-needed win over West Ham on Sunday.

Manchester United also clinched three points that day, coming from behind to beat Crystal Palace, however the Red Devils have still dropped points in greater than half of their league games this season.

Ruben Amorim’s side do look vastly improved but that will not be an enormous achievement given United finished just fifteenth last 12 months.

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