‘It's a nightmare’ - Man United legend slams Chelsea players following loss to Leeds

The Blues lost 3-1 to Leeds after recently earning a draw with one man down against league leaders Arsenal last weekend.

Enzo Maresca's team was comprehensively beaten at Elland Road, with goals from Jaka Bijol, Ao Tanaka, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin securing a decisive victory for the home side.

Neville was particularly critical of Chelsea's defending, especially for the third goal, which saw Calvert-Lewin score into an empty net after a defensive mix-up between Malo Gusto and Tosin Adarabioyo.

Following the loss, Neville asserted that the club is "miles away" from a Premier League title challenge and singled out key players for criticism.

"It's a nightmare for Maresca and a dream for Leeds," Neville commented during the broadcast after the games.

"They've kept pushing, they've always been a threat. Chelsea have given them encouragement after encouragement after encouragement."

The former Manchester United captain pointed to a pattern of poor play from the backline. "The centre-backs have been sloppy all night," he said. 

"I'm not sure if Gusto's pass to Chalobah is the right one; you just have to welly it up the pitch. What are you doing trying to control it and play it back in there? And Sanchez… it is difficult for him."

He added: "What a mess. Chelsea's defenders have been poor on the ball all night, playing it into their own six-yard box to each other."

Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville conceded that Chelsea could secure a Champions League spot but dismissed their chances of winning the league.

"Chelsea will finish in the top four or five, but that's it," he stated. "Those centre-backs were poor, slow on the ball, defending, the goalkeeper is not a title-winning goalkeeper, and those forwards are not of the level to win a team like Chelsea a title."

The defeat leaves Chelsea nine points adrift of league leaders Arsenal. Maresca's side will look to bounce back when they travel to face Bournemouth on Saturday.