Glen Johnson: Premier League title is “there for the taking” for Chelsea

It’s been an interesting yet chaotic start to the season for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side. Despite red cards and injuries, they still sit fifth in the Premier League. The biggest blow to their campaign so far has been the news that Cole Palmer will be out for six weeks. The club’s talisman has been struggling with a persistent groin injury, which will see him miss a huge chunk of the October and November period.

The Blues will now need their other attackers to step up during this spell — but who is ready to do so? We caught up with former Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson to discuss the impact of Palmer’s injury, alongside the form of Moises Caicedo and an injury-free Reece James.

Palmer’s teammates need to step up in his absence

Who will step up for Chelsea in the absence of Cole Palmer, who is set for a sustained period out due to a recurring groin problem dating back to last season?

Since joining the club in the 2023/24 campaign, Palmer has become the go-to player for Chelsea in their most desperate moments. Johnson believes that while Chelsea don’t have anyone capable of filling Palmer’s void individually, the team will have to pull together for the time being.

"That's been Chelsea's problem for a while. I don't think they have a Cole Palmer replacement, other than Cole Palmer himself."

"But they have a fantastic squad where everyone can chip in."

"For them to deal with his absence, you're not going to get a guy who walks in and gets 25 goals. The team needs to pull together and everyone needs to raise their game by three or four percent. That will create chances and everyone will dip in and out."

"I don't think they've got that one golden player who can do what Cole Palmer does, but they have a good squad that can live without him for four or five weeks."

Pedro Neto challenged to take on Palmer’s talisman role

With Palmer sidelined, there will be pressure on the likes of Pedro Neto, Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens and Estêvão to provide the creativity and goals needed to keep pace with Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool.

When it comes to Neto, the former Wolves sensation is currently priced at 7/4 to score against Sunderland on Saturday - and if you fancy backing that, you can check out our bet calculator to learn more. Johnson, meanwhile, is looking towards the Portuguese star to lead the way, believing that on his day, he is almost unstoppable.

“Garnacho is a good footballer and I like him, but I don’t think he’s doing anything new compared to what he was doing at United. It’s good because I like him, but he hasn’t really kicked on.”

“Gittens looks like he has the beating of everybody but needs to find that end product. Neto is the standout for me. He works his socks off and when he’s on form he’s hard to stop. He scores goals and he’s a nightmare to play against. They’ve got the right players; they just need the penny to drop at the right time.”

Liverpool will be kicking themselves for not signing Caicedo

One player who has stepped up in recent weeks is Moises Caicedo, who joined the club amid huge noise and conflict surrounding his £115 million move from Brighton to Stamford Bridge.

The Ecuadorian is known for his all-action, relentless approach and quietly efficient technical game - one that might not always be pretty, but is undeniably effective. Caicedo has also added goals to his game in recent weeks, including a stunning opener against Liverpool before the international break.

Caicedo was once a transfer target for Liverpool, and Johnson believes the Reds will regret not getting the deal over the line.

“Caicedo is a rock and you can’t win the league without somebody in central defensive midfield being world class. They’re the anchor. They allow everything else to flow. They’re very rarely involved in goals because they do the ugly stuff. Now that he’s fit and enjoying his football, Liverpool will be kicking themselves asking why they didn’t sign him.”

“When he joined Chelsea, people were questioning his fee, but now he’s living up to it. It can take time for players to settle in, and right now he looks like a world-beater.”

Reece James is the “best” right back

Reece James has long been heralded as one of the gems of Chelsea’s Cobham academy - a multifaceted, physical and technically gifted footballer who has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons.

Now seemingly over his fitness issues and returning to top form, Johnson is delighted to see James back and continues to praise him as one of the best in the world.

“I’ve had people laugh at me for backing him, and I think the only thing slowing Reece James down is the injuries. Some right-backs are better going forward and some defensively, but with Reece, he’s the best overall out of everyone.”

“I've picked him over others even when he was injured. Touch wood he stays fit, keeps doing what he’s doing. Reece is an all-rounder - and he’s the best.”

Premier League title is there for the taking

With Liverpool’s recent stumbles, Manchester City trying to find consistency, and Arsenal not lifting the title in over two decades, many have argued that this could finally be Chelsea’s year - especially given their recent transfers and steady progress under Maresca.

Johnson feels that the league title could be within reach if the Blues continue on their current trajectory.

“I think Chelsea will be thinking that they haven’t got a better chance of winning the league. Arsenal have deservedly been in and around winning it for some time. City look like they’re bouncing back and Liverpool have been shaky, so right now it’s wide open.”

“It’s there for the taking. Now I can’t sit here and say they will be in the race come March or April, but if they keep ticking along I’ve seen stranger things happen. It’s good to see the big four or five now going toe to toe. They just need to keep knocking on the door.”

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