Maurizio Sarri’s winning streak with Chelsea in the Premier League came to an end against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon after they played out a goalless draw at the London Stadium.
Chelsea started the weekend top of the Premier league but wins for Liverpool and Manchester City coupled with their own disappointing draw, means Sarri’s men dropped third on the table, with two points behind new leaders Liverpool.
Sarri, in his post-match conference surprisingly admitted that it would take Chelsea at least a year to be at the same level as their season title rivals.
The Italian gaffer, as quoted via The Mail said:
“They (Liverpool) are a step forward of us at this moment.
“We have to play against a very, very good team who have worked with the same coach for three years.
“We have started to work together 40 days ago, less 10 days for the international break, so for us it is a bit early.
“We have to work and then, maybe, in one year we will be at the same level as Liverpool.
“It will be a really difficult match. Maybe spectacular but for us, difficult. I don’t think there is an easy game against Salah, Firmino and Mane.”
It’s not sure whether he was being deadly serious or it was an early attempt at mind games. If it’s the latter, we love it.
Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Southampton means the Reds are now the only team in English football to have won all of their Premier League matches so far, six wins in six matches, and should they manage beating Chelsea next weekend, the Merseysiders will match Chelsea’s all-time record of seven Premier League wins.
Prior to this fixture on Saturday, the two side will go head-to-head in the League Cup on Wednesday which will also send some chills down the spines at Anfield.