Gary Cahill warns Chelsea of title race slip-ups with Premier League competition fiercer than ever

Champion: Gary Cahill
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Simon Johnson26 October 2018

Twelve months ago Manchester City were already starting their stroll to the Premier League title, but Gary Cahill believes they will have to work a lot harder this time around.

The Chelsea defender knows all too well what it takes to be a champion having won the trophy with the Blues in 2015 and 2017.

There is a big contrast in how the league table looks after nine games this year compared to last. Back then Manchester City were already five points clear of second place and were nine ahead of Chelsea and Arsenal, who were separated in fourth and fifth on goal difference.

Pep Guardiola's side never looked like getting caught and set records galore on the way to clinching first place.

However, going into this weekend there are just two points between Manchester City in first and Tottenham in fifth, suggesting that a genuine title race between the top clubs lies in store.

It is why Cahill already feels that Chelsea, who lie in third, can't afford to come away from their trip to Burnley on Sunday with anything other than a victory.

He told Standard Sport: "It (the battle for the Premier League) is certainly going to be tight this season. As far as the Burnley game goes, these are the matches you need to win if you are going to compete at the top.

"This is a very difficult game - going away to Burnley. Everyone knows that. These are the fixtures you have to churn out the victories in. That is how I have seen it over the years and this season will be no different.

"We are prepared, the form is good, the momentum is good. There is nothing in that regard to fear. We are very respectful of how strong Burnley are at home - they proved that last season."

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Apart from Manchester United, all the main contenders are in fine form. As expected City and Liverpool are leading from the front having won seven and drawn two thus far.

Chelsea are the only side in the top flight to be unbeaten in all competitions, while Arsenal and Spurs have bounced back from defeats earlier in the campaign to go on a winning streak and close the gap.

There are strengths and weaknesses in each member of this quintet, although City and Liverpool are still regarded as the favourites.

Cahill argues that such an assumption is premature though and added: "I have been here loads of times and before Christmas you don't see where it is going to go.

"Arsenal are on an incredible run of form at the minute. When they lost at our place (in August) and already points off the top, people were writing them off.

"All of a sudden they have been in unbelievable form. That's what can happen. We did it the last time we won the League after losing at Arsenal and at home to Liverpool. Then we won 13 games in a row, which is why people should wait till the new year."

Chelsea are certainly ahead of schedule given new coach Maurizio Sarri took over in July and has completely revolutionised the style of play.

The Italian consistently states that there is plenty of room for improvement and Cahill feels their challenge will definitely have to be taken seriously if they're still in contention in a couple of months' time.

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"I think if you are in a good position after Christmas and coming into January, you feel like you have a chance," he said.

"There are loads of games to play until then, a lot can happen. It's just a matter of going from one weekend to the next and building a momentum.

"It's great when you go back into training after getting three points. It's the same going into training today after winning in the Europa League (against BATE Borisov) last night. It's much better than going in after a loss. That's why I say momentum is key and we have that right now."

Manchester City have been warned.

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