Hazard on fire but Sarri issues warning over Blues defence

MAURIZIO SARRI may have the services of the best player in Europe, but the Italian knows that, for all Eden Hazard’s brilliance in attack, Chelsea’s chances of winning the Premier League are undermined by their failings in defence.

It may seem strange to hear the coach of the league leaders pouring cold water on his side’s ambitions, especially after winning five games out of five and scoring 14 goals in the process.

But even against modest opposition so far, Chelsea have conceded four goals and many more chances, and Sarri is wise enough to know that without a solid backline their chances of keeping ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City are limited.

By the time Hazard scored the first goal of this hat-trick to equalise in their 4-1 win at Stamford Bridge, Cardiff could have been two ahead rather than holding a 1-0 lead from Sol Bamba’s 16th-minute strike.

Weakness

Asked afterwards if he thought that Chelsea are genuine title contenders, Cardiff manager Neil Warnock responded: “Absolutely, they are a good side. But against the top teams I think he (Sarri) will be working on certain things at the back. The top teams will find a weakness in certain areas.”

Sarri agreed with Warnock, admitting: “‘At this moment we are very dangerous in the offensive phase but not as solid as I want in the defensive phase.

“Only eight players arrived for training at the beginning of the pre-season, so I think it’s normal that in this period we have some defensive problems.”

Sarri reiterated his view that Chelsea are still a level below the best.

“In my opinion two teams, Liverpool and Manchester City, are better than us. We have to improve step by step, and my target is to become the best team in England in one year to 18 months.”

Not many leading managers could get away with such a gloomy forecast, but Sarri is producing the entertaining football Roman Abramovich and the club’s supporters crave, and they are top of the pile so far.

It is clear, however, that Chelsea’s true colours will be shown when they face stiffer tests, with Liverpool due in a fortnight’s time, followed by Manchester United next month, Tottenham in November and City in December.

Hazard will be key to how they do in those games – as will Olivier Giroud, who played a major part in two of the Belgian’s goals.

For now, he has the satisfaction of knowing his side will outscore lesser teams, especially with Hazard in top form. (©Daily Telegraph)