West Ham forward Andy Carroll says Chelsea are on such a poor run of form that they have to be considered relegation candidates.

Last season's champions are sitting just a point above the relegation zone after 16 games, having managed just four victories so far.

Carroll told Sky Sports: "It's crazy to see, the quality in that team, at the bottom of the league.

"It is tough to actually realise that they are such a good team, with quality players, and who spent so much money on those players - they just can't string a pass together at the minute."

Asked if they could truly be considered as candidates for the drop, Carroll added: "You never know. It is hard to see it, isn't it? I think that's the problem.

"It is hard to think Chelsea could be in the bottom three at the end of the season. But the way they are going, I don't see why they can't get relegated. I think it's on the cards."