They don't have it — Hargreaves reveals Chelsea's biggest issue after Sunderland loss

Chelsea suffered a bruising 2-1 defeat to Sunderland at Stamford Bridge, despite being the better side for much of the game.

The Blues, who were fancied to fight for the Premier League title after an impressive Club World Cup triumph, have now flattered to deceive this season.

Former Manchester United midfielder Owen Hargreaves has pointed out a crucial piece missing from Enzo Maresca's squad in the aftermath of the defeat.

Hargreaves noted that the Blues need an experienced player in the squad to help them get results in tight games.

“Chelsea need a Xhaka-type [experienced Sunderland midfielder] in there. If they did, they wouldn’t have lost that game today,” he said.

He added that there was no way the Blues could be counted among title challengers without experienced players in the squad.

Maresca blamed his forwards for their inability to create enough quality chances and failure to convert the ones created.

Chelsea face Wolves in the EFL Cup next, before a daunting London derby against rivals Tottenham.