Why Chelsea cannot yet be considered Premier League title contenders

Blues are still cracking the conundrum of how to oust sides in the top half of the table

(POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

As the final whistle went at Goodison Park on Saturday night, a thundering “title contenders my a***" roared down from the Top Balcony.

The fans were back and so too were a combative, compact Everton to nullify Chelsea and question their credentials as a team that can be crowned England’s best this season.

It was their first defeat in 17 matches, but the manner of it - a lack of offensive aggressive, being second best in the duels and desperately missing the creativity of Hakim Ziyech - illustrated it’s premature for Frank Lampard’s side to be considered concrete candidates to win the league.

READ MORE: Chelsea pay the penalty as Everton secure hard-fought victory

Chelsea’s run of form prior to their loss on Merseyside, their range of goal scorers, as well as the club’s enviable options in depth made it natural for them to be in the conversation.

Olivier Giroud reacts after Chelsea’s defeat by Everton (POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

During an uncertain and swamped campaign, having such depth in quality has been viewed as a massive advantage for Lampard, but he undercut that line of thought.

“I keep reading how we have the strongest squad in the league but I don't understand it,” he said.

“There are squads and teams around us that have won titles in the last three or four years that have got players littered through their squad who have wingers with 30 goals a year, strikers with 20 or 30 goals a year and people that have won the Champions League and league.

“We clearly haven't got that. We have young players, some players who have won titles, but we have some players in our squad who a new to the league.

“We have players who were playing in the Championship or on loan in the last two years. We are a work in progress.”

Frank Lampard walks off the pitch at Goodison Park (Getty Images)

Chelsea are also still cracking the conundrum of how to oust sides in the top half of the table.

There have been zero victories in fixtures against Everton, Tottenham, Manchester United, Southampton and Liverpool. While their only defeat in these matches came against the defending champions, it will be concerning that they are unable to fully exert themselves in these contests.

Chelsea’s wins have come at home to Leeds, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace plus at Brighton, Burnley and Newcastle.

When Lampard circles their status as a work in progress, it is the truth rather than an exercise in lowering expectations and pressure.

When opposing managers point to Chelsea as challengers, it is reminder of the talent stocked in the squad, which contains several of European football’s premier young talent.

When you spend over £220 million in the summer window, progress cannot be a slow process.

And triumphs against the teams you’re aiming to ultimately match and surpass has to quickly become part of the package.