Manchester United legend Gary Neville has brought a fresh new energy to TV punditry for his honest, articulate analysis and today it was no different. 

Speaking at Swansea City’s Liberty Stadium ahead of Manchester United’s clash with the Swans today, both ex-Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher and Neville were asked about Chelsea’s performances this season while working for Sky Sports. Both pundits recognised the failings of the club at present but Neville went that little bit further and said that the players need “a slap around the face.”

One only has to look at Chelsea’s record this season to see why Neville is so critical of the Blues.

In four Premier League games the defending champions have picked up just one win and one draw whilst being hammered by Manchester City 3-0 and losing 2-1 yesterday to Alan Pardew’s Crystal Palace.

Their shocking opening means they have had the second worst start to a title defence in Premier League history, only ahead of Blackburn during the 1995/96 season by one point.

Neville also goes on to pinpoint Branislav Ivanovic – a player who plays in the same position as Neville did at United – for some of his lacklustre performances, along with the rest of the Chelsea team, which the England international described as looking “knackered.”

Watch Neville lambaste Chelsea’s opening to the season below.

Rob Lyons, Pundit Arena