Ferdinand: Chelsea are still the favourites

Ferdinand: Chelsea are still the favourites

Rio Ferdinand has insisted that Chelsea’s defeat to Arsenal in the Community Shield proves nothing in the race for the Premier League. Despite Arsenal’s impressive odds and strong-looking squad, former England and Manchester United defender Ferdinand believes a Community Shield win doesn’t necessarily make you favourites for the league title.

“This won’t have any bearing on the League.” said Ferdinand.

“Chelsea will win the Title. They have the best players and they are the most well drilled. They know what their manager wants from them.”

“Players really care about winning the Community Shield. But this match does not give you an indicator about who wins the league.”

Rio has joined many in singing Eden Hazard’s praises, and admits the Belgian’s quality is too much for the other clubs to handle. He also believes that despite the Blues relatively quiet summer, they still have the quality to win the title once again.

“Hazard has got the stardust. He can turn a game for them when they are not playing well.”

“Chelsea haven’t made big strides in the transfer market but they are happy with the players they have got, as they should be.” he said.

Ferdinand did have some words of warning for his former side, saying that another poor start for United would cast them out of the running.

“Manchester United have made three signings but those guys have to adjust. They have to hit the ground running. Last season they had a bad start, and if they do that again this season the same thing will happen and they’ll be out of it.”

The ex-defender does believe Arsenal have made the best signing of the summer so far, but doesn’t believe it’s enough to knock Chelsea off the top spot.

“Arsenal have made the best signing in the league with Peter Cech,” he said.

“He is that important. They have a better chance with him in goal.”

[All quotes from The Telegraph]