The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Blues are not challengers, claims Sarri
Maurizio Sarri says his Chelsea side are closer to Liverpool than he previously thought, but still only contenders for the Premier League’s top four and not the title.
The 59-year-old Italian has overseen five league wins and two draws since his July appointment, after Daniel Sturridge’s stunning late equaliser denied Chelsea all three points at Stamford Bridge.
Eden Hazard, the matchwinner in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup win at Anfield, had looked like inflicting the Reds’ first loss of the season before Sturridge’s strike.
Sarri, though, maintains his Blues are not likely to challenge holders Manchester City or Liverpool for the title.
The Chelsea head coach said: “I think City and Liverpool are a step forward of us.
“But I think also we are more close than I thought one week ago.”
Liverpool’s late rally sees them stay second, level on points with Manchester City, who earlier beat Brighton 2-0.
Raheem Sterling set City on their way after 29 minutes, with Sergio Aguero wrapping up the points midway through the second half.
In Saturday’s lunchtime kickoff, West Ham turned up the heat on Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho with a 3-1 win at the London Stadium.
After their midweek home defeat by Derby in the Carabao Cup, the Red Devils once again failed to produce the required performance.
West Ham led 2-0 at half-time but Marcus Rashford reduced the deficit. However, West Ham swiftly restored their two-goal advantage through Marko Arnautovic as United equalled their worst start to a Premier League season.
England captain Harry Kane scored twice as Tottenham won 2-0 at struggling Huddersfield while Arsenal left it late to maintain their winning run with a 2-0 victory over Watford at the Emirates Stadium.
Cardiff City’s lost 2-1 to Burnley at home. Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Sam Vokes were on target for the visitors with Josh Murphy getting the consolation.