'I won the Premier League title with Chelsea - but their defending now is amateur'

William Gallas has told Chelsea to forget about a top four finish unless they shore up their ‘amateur’ defence.

Enzo Maresca’s men have shipped 10 goals in just eight games and suffered their second defeat of the season against last time out. Former Blues defender Gallas, who won the title during his time at Stamford Bridge, insists his old employers will miss out on a place.

He said: “ won't finish in the top four. The defence is simply not good enough. The second goal that Chelsea conceded at Anfield, I’m sorry to say it, it was like watching an amateur team with amateur players. That defensive line was completely amateur.

“Nobody took responsibility. Tosin Adarabioyo, just watching the ball, he doesn't look behind him. That, for me, is the level of an amateur player, not a Chelsea player. , what are you doing? What a mistake to try and play the offside. It was a cheap goal to give away."

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Maresca has been credited with improving Chelsea’s fortunes, with their only losses coming against title contenders and Liverpool.

“If we compare the performance from last season, Chelsea looked much, much better,” said the Frenchman. “I know the team very well. I watch them, how they play, their wins, their losses, their draws... Even if they’ve improved a lot, from last season - and they can’t be worse than that - that's why they will finish fifth or sixth.

“A good season for Chelsea would be to improve and build. Then, next year, challenge for the Premier League title.”

Chelsea will be hoping to get their top four bid back on track when they take on United on Sunday afternoon. Eddie Howe’s side are two points behind the Blues in the table, and Gallas admits he doesn’t know which Chelsea team will turn up.

He added: “That is a problem with Chelsea. We don't know what can happen or which Chelsea is going to show up. Is there going to be a good response? To be honest, with that squad, I don't know. As a former player, I will tell you, they have to win, they don't have a choice.

“I don't know what is going to happen. Normally they have to get three points, but Newcastle have a strong team, even if they lost on the weekend. Newcastle will be expecting a reaction against Chelsea. They will have to come up with a good response after losing at home to . This won't be easy for Chelsea.”

William Gallas was speaking on behalf of Prime Casino.

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