Chelsea are a much weaker side this season than they were last, says former Blues star Ray Wilkins.

The Blues stormed to victory in the Premier League last season, but look a bit shy of producing the same kind of form this season and many agree that Conte will find it very difficult to defend his title.

Conte’s men go into the international break 6 points off the top spot, which isn’t necessarily disastrous by any means, but with both Manchester clubs upgrading their squads in the transfer window it has to be noted that Chelsea could arguably have downgraded.

That’s the thoughts of Wilkins anyway, who argues that allowing Costa, Terry and Matic to leave Stamford Bridge was a huge mistake.

“I don’t think we are anywhere near as good as last year,” he told Sky Sports.

“We had the best forward (Costa) in the league last year.”

“We had people at the club that you need at a football club, like John Terry.”

“I don’t know why we didn’t offer John something around the club to keep that Chelsea business going on, I really don’t.”

“Bakayoko is no Matic, not yet anyway. Matic is just superb.”

“I don’t think we are anywhere near what we were last year.”