Chelsea legend John Terry believes the inexperience in their squad makes it difficult for the Blues to be Premier League title contenders. He expressed his disappointment following their defeat against Sunderland, which came after convincing wins over Liverpool and Nottingham Forest.
The west London side hosted Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 25. Chelsea entered the game on the back of four consecutive wins across all competitions. However, the newly-promoted Sunderland side managed to spring a surprise by securing a 2-1 victory.
Alejandro Garnacho gave Chelsea an early lead in the fourth minute, but Wilson Isidor leveled for Sunderland in the 22nd minute. The winner came dramatically in the third minute of stoppage time, when Chemsdine Talbi scored to seal the victory for Sunderland.
After the match, club legend John Terry shared his thoughts on TikTok (via CFCPys on X):
“Losing to Sunderland after doing the hard work against Liverpool and Forest, I think we’re going to get that with a little bit of an inexperienced squad. With the younger group we have, we’re gonna see that a bit, and that’s what’s going to cost us not being title contenders at the end of it.”
Chelsea last won the Premier League title in the 2016-17 season.
### Enzo Maresca shares thoughts on Chelsea’s defeat against Sunderland
Saturday’s loss marked Chelsea’s third defeat in nine Premier League games this season. Despite dominating possession with 69% and registering 15 attempts (eight on target), Chelsea failed to convert their dominance into a win. Sunderland, by contrast, managed 10 attempts with four on target and emerged victorious.
Speaking about the game, Chelsea’s interim head coach Enzo Maresca commented:
“I think in general we were not good enough. When you are not good enough in the Premier League, we know that the consequences can be bad. I have said many times, when you are not able to win it is important you do not lose.”
“The second goal was just one long-ball in behind; we had two-v-one with the two central defenders and we didn’t defend properly. The first goal came from a throw-in, but it is difficult because they bring six or seven players inside the six-yard box. But overall, I think we were not good enough.”
### Current standings and upcoming fixtures
Chelsea currently sit eighth in the Premier League standings and risk dropping further once all matchweek fixtures are completed.
The Blues will next face Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux Stadium in the EFL Cup fourth round on Wednesday, October 29. They will return to Premier League action with a trip to rivals Tottenham Hotspur on November 1.
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**About the author**
Aditya Singh has been working as a European football journalist and editor for Sportskeeda for close to four years, bringing over seven years of experience in writing and marketing across various industries. He played college-level football for two years and has a strong passion for the game.
Aditya’s football journey was inspired by watching Zinedine Zidane’s elegant play and infamous 2006 FIFA World Cup final headbutt. A fan of Tottenham Hotspur’s creative, front-foot football since 2008, he appreciates the club’s underdog status.
He has received Sportskeeda’s ‘Long-form Editor of the Month’ award and admires players like Luka Modric and managers like Carlo Ancelotti for their styles. Aditya also believes Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala have the potential to develop a rivalry reminiscent of Messi and Ronaldo.
In his free time, Aditya enjoys reading classical fiction, traveling, and exploring diverse cuisines.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/football/news-john-terry-explains-chelsea-unlikely-pl-title-contenders-sunderland-loss