Chelsea legend Tommy Langley says he does not want Maurizio Sarri’s team to become a poor man’s Arsenal by playing good football but winning nothing in the end.
The Blues registered a 2-1 win away from home against Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday in the Premier League to remain in close pursuit of rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who won against Burnley on Saturday.
Chelsea established a two-goal advantage within the opening 33 minutes of the game through the brilliance of Eden Hazard, who turned provider for Pedro’s opening goal before getting on the scoresheet later.
Despite their slick and dominant performance until the hour-mark, Chelsea allowed Brighton to conjure a late push to salvage something following the goal from Solly March.
However, the visitors held on in the end and walked away with maximum points; Langley admitted that he was impressed with the style of play, but revealed that he does not want to Chelsea to be like Arsenal.
The Gunners, who were a beauty to watch under Arsene Wenger, endured a long drought without trophies and Langley is clear he does not want Chelsea to go down the same road.
Langley also claimed that Arsenal were character-less during that era, despite playing some of the finest football in the division.
“My worry with that [Sarri’s style of play] is that we are pretty to watch, but so are Arsenal and they've won nothing”, Langley said on Chelsea TV following the win at the Amex.
“And I don't want to become a poor man's Arsenal.
"I just want something that's different to them.
“We need leaders and if we're going to get bodies through the door they need to be are great characters.
“I think Arsenal in that period when they were playing great football were character-less.”
Chelsea will next face Bournemouth in the quarter-final of the EFL Cup on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge.
