Debate: Have Chelsea peaked?

Sir Alex Ferguson has launched the first attack in the psychological battle that has defined the rivalry between Manchester United and Chelsea in recent seasons by claiming that their rivals have fulfilled their potential. While the United manager admits that players such as Ricardo Carvalho, right, have the experience to challenge for the title, he believes they will struggle to improve at the same rate as his more youthful charges.

What do you think? Is Ferguson just trying to unnerve his rivals or is he right in suggesting Luis Felipe Scolari lacks the players to improve on Jose Mourinho's success? Perhaps you agree with Michael Essien, the Chelsea midfielder who reacted to Ferguson's criticism by insisting that the London club are the most likely to win the Premier League next season? Let us know in the comment box below.

Comments

[Simon]

I think it’s hard to say whether or not a club has peaked, but I do feel that Chelsea have resorted to the old tricks of bringing in big signings rather than pushing for younger, faster, more flexible talent. Pure strength will see Chelsea do well this season, I would imagine, especially in the face of a Liverpool and Arsenal pre-season marred by lack of money and apparent abandonment.

[Pallav Purkayastha]

This is Ferguson of old. He thinks Scolari is thin-skinned like Keegan and others who can fall for his psychological taunts. Scolari is a thorough bred who will concentrate on his own team.
And as of Chelsea being old, just a look at both the teams' first fifteen players, the average age is 28 for both. Too old, anyone?