Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has come to the defence of Chelsea following criticism from former manager Jose Mourinho. The Portuguese remarked that the Blues have lost every game they have played against a big team this season.

Questioning those marks, Merson said that Chelsea have shown they are no flat-track bullies, with good performances against the likes of Liverpool and Ajax:

“I think that’s a bit harsh, Mourinho. The Man United game at the start of the season, that was never a 4-0. That could have swung either way. Liverpool in the Super Cup, I thought Chelsea were just as good that day.”

“Ajax are a very good team, very good team. Let’s look at the positive, they are 4-1 down and they come back to draw 4-4, and they probably should have won the game. And against Man United, he rested players. And it took a worldie goal to win the game. I think Frank has done phenomenal.”

Mourinho was certainly being hypercritical, but he does have a point when it comes to the team’s poor defensive record. Their backline will certainly be put to the test when they travel to the Etihad after the international break.

City are reeling after their 3-1 defeat to Liverpool on Sunday, and Pep Guardiola’s men will be looking to get back on track with a win. Chelsea manager Frank Lampard will, however, want to prove any doubters wrong with a strong performance away in a big game on Saturday week.