Paul Merson has cast doubt on Chelsea's ambition to win the Premier League, suggesting that their current transfer strategy won't lead them to the title. Enzo Maresca's side suffered a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, leaving them ninth in the standings. They bounced back with a League Cup victory over Wolverhampton, but ahead of their crucial match against Tottenham on Saturday, Merson commented that Chelsea are not ready to clinch the Premier League.

Merson points out that Chelsea are a young and inconsistent team, more suited to cup competitions than a long-term league challenge. He believes the lack of experienced players is a major obstacle to the team's stability. While young talents like Trevoh Chalobah and Josh Acheampong show promise, the absence of a seasoned defender could hinder their development.

Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has also faced criticism, despite his abilities, as Merson suggests there's always a risk of mistakes. In attack, the absence of Nicolas Jackson is felt, and Marc Guehi failed to make an impact against Sunderland.

Enzo Maresca is under pressure to secure a trophy this season, but according to Merson, the team lacks balance. He emphasizes the importance of experienced players in the squad and the need for Champions League qualification to sustain the project.

The upcoming match against Tottenham is crucial not just for the fans, but also in the context of the battle for a top-four finish. Chelsea must qualify for the Champions League to continue attracting top-tier players and maintain their ambitions for future success.

**Analysis:** Chelsea are in a transitional phase that requires patience and strategic decisions. If they aim to compete for the title, they need to find a balance between youth and experience within their squad. Matches against rivals like Tottenham will be telling of their capacity to establish themselves among the elite.