Alan Smith: 'Chelsea could win the Champions League'

Former Arsenal striker Alan Smith has claimed that Chelsea's defensive solidity could lead them to Champions League glory this season.

The Blues have conceded seven goals this term, and after watching them beat the Gunners 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, Smith thinks that they are good enough to win Europe's premier competition.

He wrote in his column in The Telegraph: "Champions League winners? You wouldn't be at all surprised. The Premier League title is clearly well within reach. We talk often enough about Chelsea's creative forces, about Diego Costa, Cesc Fabregas and Eden Hazard.

"Yet their majestic contributions so far would not have reaped such reward if those warriors at the back had not done their thing. And they are warriors, each and every one.

"From right to left, Branislav Ivanovic, Gary Cahill, John Terry and Cesar Azpilicueta will neither shirk a scrap or ignore their defensive duties. In short, each perfectly conforms to the image of a proper defender happy, if necessary, to confine themselves to the gritty graft."

Jose Mourinho's side are currently top of the Premier League.