Rival PL manager lauds the world-class players at Chelsea’s disposal ahead of crunch clash

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard lauds the world-class talents at Chelsea

Speaking to the media ahead of the next league game (h/t Birmingham Mail), Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard lauds the world-class talents Chelsea have in their roster.

Villa welcome Chelsea to Villa Park for an interesting Premier League encounter on Sunday. The Blues are going into this game off the back of four consecutive wins in all competitions while conceding only one goal in those games.

Gerrard, on the other hand, has been a manager under pressure as his Villa team sit 16th in the table with just two wins from nine games. They have only scored seven goals so far in the league, an area where they are lacking quality by some margin.

Here’s what he said about Chelsea ahead of facing them on Sunday (h/t Birmingham Mail):

“I wouldn’t argue or debate whether they have the favourites tag. They’re a team full of world-class talent. They’ve got academy kids who’ve developed and become top players.

“They’ve recruited extremely well. They’ve changed manager of late and seem to be in a honeymoon period.

“Everything points to them being favourites in the game, but this is at Villa Park. We’re a bit frustrated that we haven’t taken wins from our previous two and we want to use that frustration in the right way.”

The Blues are certainly going through a honeymoon period since Graham Potter arrived on September 7. They have played five games under the new manager – won four and drawn one while scoring 11 goals and conceding only two.

No Premier League is easy, especially when it is away from home. Though Chelsea have a good record at Villa Park generally, the home side cannot be taken lightly. The likes of Phillipe Coutinho, Ollie Watkins and Leon Bailey have not been in good form. However, they can turn it on at any moment.

For Chelsea, it is important that they continue the momentum gained in the last two weeks. The loss of Reece James is huge, but they have enough quality to cover for his absence.

More Chelsea News:

• Chelsea join Liverpool in pursuit of RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer
• Thomas Tuchel open to take England job after rejecting two Premier League clubs
• AC Milan looking to renew the contract of Rafael Leao to fend off Chelsea interest

After the Villa game, Potter’s men will face Brentford away from home on Wednesday before the big one against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge next Saturday. The next few games before the World Cup will decide the direction of the league table, in which the Blues are currently sitting in fourth.