Pundits disagree over whether Chelsea are “a force” or lacking a key ingredient | OneFootball

We’re into the international break now which means a long fortnight of talking heads chatting about Chelsea’s chances for the year and their progress so far.

It’ll be dull – but at least they’re being positive. On TalkSport today, former Premier League manager Alan Pardew was very impressed with the progress that this side has made under Enzo Maresca. Sure, the last result before the break was disappointing, but overall things are well ahead of schedule, and far better than they were at this stage a year ago.

“I think Chelsea are a force, and you wouldn’t want to play them at the moment. They do look settled,” the former West Ham and Crystal Palace boss said.

“They look like they know what they’re doing. The manager has done a super job. So yeah, all things good at Chelsea at the moment.”

That’s one major vote in favour of Maresca and his work. We get the feeling that most pundits agree.

The major weakness still hurting Chelsea’s chances of becoming a top level team

Some had reservations however. Former Watford icon Troy Deeney agrees we’re doing well, but sees a flaw still marring the potential of this side to go all the way at the moment. It’s an issue that’s very familiar to Chelsea fans. In fact, it’s haunted us pretty much since 2012, with the occasional period of respite thrown in:

“For Chelsea to bridge the gap and catch up with the other three, they need someone that’s gonna consistently score,” Deeney mused.

“They have lots of talent, but I think they still struggle for the main No9.”

Nicolas Jackson is a really good player and has started the season well – nobody was saying we lacked a striker a couple of weeks ago. We wonder if by January he’s finally settled the debate – or if the fears that he isn’t ruthless enough return.