Ashley Cole believes Chelsea could be surprise contenders for the Premier League title after their flawless start to the season.
Maurizio Sarri had less than a month to prepare his new team for the new campaign after replacing Antonio Conte last month but he has made a positive impression already, aided by the signing of his former Napoli charge Jorginho.
The Italy international midfielder has been a central figure in the wins over Huddersfield and Arsenal and Cole has been quietly impressed by Sarri’s start to life at Stamford Bridge.
‘Chelsea have gone about their business a little bit quiet in terms of having a new manager,’ Cole said to ESPN FC.
‘They should be fighting for the title, but I don’t think people are [thinking that way] at the minute.
‘To get six points from two games, it’s a fantastic start. They’ve just got to keep going.’
It has been a different story across town in north London where Arsenal and Arsene Wenger’s successor Unai Emery is without a point from his first two matches at the helm.
Cole admits he is still get used to watching his old club without Wenger calling the shots but believes it is imperative his replacement is given time to implement his own style.
‘I used to watch the games with [Wenger] in the long jacket and you don’t see that no more,’ Cole added.
‘But times change, people move on, and I think it was his time to go. And obviously they’ve brought in a new manager with new ideas and a new philosophy.
‘I think it might take a little bit of time, he has to gel the players together, he’s got a few new players.
‘To put his philosophy across and how he wants to play, I don’t think it’s going to happen straight away.’