Chelsea are ‘on a different level to Arsenal’ says Blues legend Joe Cole 

Joe Cole is adamant that ‘Chelsea are the most successful team in the country’ and claims the Blues will rise above Premier League leaders Arsenal ‘very soon’.

Before Sunday’s derby, Cole said he liked Mikel Arteta and the way he operates. However, he made it clear that he thought Chelsea was a ‘level above’ Arsenal.

The former England international also backed Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly, claiming the 49-year-old was laying the ‘grounds’ for long-term success at the club.

Joe Cole (above) is adamant that ‘Chelsea is the most successful team in the country’

He said the Blues are a ‘level above’ Arsenal despite the Gunners being at the top

Speak with The sunCole said: “We have to watch very closely what is happening at Arsenal because so far nothing has paid off. Arsenal have set high standards for themselves.

‘I like what they do. I enjoy watching Arsenal play, which I haven’t said in a long time. I like Mikel Arteta and what he does, how he sets up the team and I like the young players.

“Nothing significant has been achieved yet at Arsenal with their high standard, but they are on the right track. Chelsea have fought at a different level in the last 20 years. We have to say that.

Chelsea are the most successful team in the country in the last 20 years. I still feel that Chelsea can do more than compete and rise above Arsenal very quickly.”

Cole said Arsenal haven’t won anything significant in the last 20 years

However, he did praise manager Mikel Arteta and the way he works at Arsenal

Cole moved on to Boehly, who took over from Roman Abramovich as owner of Chelsea Football Club.

Cole, who played at Chelsea during the Abramovich era, said the change in approach is encouraging.

He also said the American businessman laid the foundations for Chelsea’s long-term success and that he has made “so many smart decisions”.

Cole said, ‘I like it, I think it’s very smart of the new owners. Because what has happened is that I have to take my hat off to Manchester City, I believe they will win the league this year.

“I think that’s five out of six league titles, we’re entering an era of domination that we never thought we’d see in the Premier League because of the level of competition. But they made so many smart decisions.

The former England international also expressed support for Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly

“Chelsea have stepped back and looked at the situation, thinking it will have to be a long-term project, taking the right steps to match Manchester City off and on the pitch.

“Everything has to be done with such precision, Man City is a well-oiled machine at the moment. You have to respect that.

“Chelsea are in a position to respect what they have done, but the competitive nature is that we want to be at the top of English football again.

‘It has to be a long-term project, there has to be a foundation and I think it’s a smart move.’