These stories are samples pulled from external media sources. They do not represent the views or position of Chelsea Football Club.

Cole on Chelsea title challenge

Joe Cole believes this Chelsea team have the quality to go all the way and win the Premier League title.

Speaking after the 2-0 victory at St James’ Park, Cole highlighted the level Chelsea were playing at despite missing key players.

‘You look at it, you have Pulisic, and Havertz as well to throw back into the mix, it’s an embarrassment of riches,’ Cole said on BT Sport, which was also covered at goal.com.

‘And it has been built the right way. The structure has gone in place, the style of play, the methodology that Frank wants to play.'

Cole won three titles with Chelsea and had plenty of praise for his former team-mate and how his ideas have impacted the group.

‘The biggest credit you can pay Frank, you can see his personality on the team.

‘You can see that work ethic, that togetherness, that relentlessness and he has implemented that.

‘It’s just a very exciting time for Chelsea fans.’

Burley backs talented Blues

‘Oh yeah, I think Chelsea are a much more talented team than Spurs. Tottenham have a good squad but Chelsea have an unbelievable amount of attacking players,’ he said on ESPN FC, also reported at goal.com.

‘They got great experience in with the signing of Thiago Silva, they’ve got a natural left-back in Ben Chilwell. The rise of Reece James has been meteoric – he’s taking to a new level.’

Not only are the Blues more clinical in front of goal, but they are also not letting them in and have become stable at the back.

‘They’ve strengthened their goalkeeper situation and Lampard has mentioned that N’Golo Kante is looking like the player he was a couple of years ago.

‘I just think Chelsea have better options. They’re in as good shape as they can be to mount a title challenge.’

Lampard wants Barkley to return

The reports state that Lampard has been impressed with Barkley’s performances and also called him to congratulate him on his good form.The 26-year-old has registered three goals and one assist in nine appearances and will be looking to get back into Gareth Southgate’s thoughts for the Euros.

Villa now sit sixth in the Premier League table and have registered big wins against Liverpool and Arsenal.

The former Everton midfielder is only on a season-long loan at Villa but it looks like Lampard will want him back at Cobham as he sees him in his plans to push his Chelsea side further.