Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright has pinpointed what he believes is the major issue holding us back from mounting a serious title challenge this season.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Wright praised Chelsea’s exciting potential but highlighted a key weakness – our defense.

“They are exciting… I like the way the manager has blasted people out,” Wright remarked, referring to the firm decisions made by Enzo Maresca in shaping this team.

“He’s gone, ‘bam’, ruthless. This is what I am doing, I’m going with this and you are starting to see it, especially with Caicedo and Lavia in midfield.”

Wright has been impressed with the midfield presence of Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia, both summer signings, and sees potential in Chelsea’s “front four” players who, as he put it, “look like they could go.” For Chelsea fans, it’s encouraging to hear praise for the structure Maresca is building and the dynamic energy of our attacking options. But, according to Wright, it’s our defense that’s letting us down and stopping us from being true title contenders.

“The front four look like they could go, it’s just that defence [that lets them down],” Wright concluded. While we’re seeing progress, his comments shine a light on the need for defensive stability if we’re to truly challenge the top teams.

With Maresca’s commitment and a few strategic improvements at the back, perhaps Chelsea can turn these weaknesses into strengths and make a run for the title in the seasons ahead.