It’s way too early for any clubs to start talking about themselves as title contenders.
Manchester City and Arsenal must know the pressure’s on them to lift the trophy in May, but there are at least three or four other sides who could snatch it away from them.
Although Manchester United’s hopes look increasingly distant after their 0-0 draw with Burnley on Saturday, Chelsea now look in full swing under Antonio Conte.
The Blues beat Southampton 2-0 at St Mary’s to reclaim their place in the top four, and on current form, it looks like they’re the team to beat after four wins in a row with no goals conceded.
Yet, Conte is understandably cautious, and has attempted to play down his side’s chances.
The Italian is right to do so, having seen his side slip up previously against Liverpool and Arsenal. They’re not the finished article, but as he’s keen to point out, we’ll know more about their chances a few more months down the line.
“We know that the road is long,” he said, via the Mirror.
“I have confidence because we can improve. We can improve a lot. Not look at the table.
“But, if you ask me a prediction or an expectation of our championship, now it’s very difficult to talk about this.
“It’s important to pass many games in the first part of this season. And then you can see if you can stay up there in the title race.
“We are not looking at the table, but continuing just to work. You can judge us in the second part of the season. During January.”
It’s always interesting to see how the table shapes up after Christmas, but this year, it could be more finely poised than ever.
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