Former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink does not believe that the current crop of players at Stamford Bridge are capable of challenging for the Premier League title.
Frank Lampard's side looked to be on course to record a routine victory over Southampton before the Saints came back to draw 3-3 in the capital, taking the Blues' run of form to just one win in their last four Premier League outings.
Despite splashing the cash in the summer on a number of high-profile attacking acquisitions, Hasselbaink thinks that Lampard must continue to shore up his defence before the Blues can mount a title charge.
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Hasselbaink said: "No, Chelsea are not contenders [for the title].
"They are leaking too many goals. It is a breath of fresh air to see them going forward with the likes of Mason Mount and [Timo] Werner.
"But the defence is a worry, if they cannot improve the centre-backs and goalkeeper it is a concern. Alisson wins Liverpool points, but that doesn't happen with Kepa. Chelsea need to improve in that area."
Chelsea must now contend with a quick turnaround in fixtures as they welcome Sevilla to Stamford Bridge for Tuesday's Champions League clash.
Ben Knapton
