Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho believes Arsenal are still in the Premier League title race, but he dismissed claims of their fine form.
Chelsea, who drew 1-1 against Southampton on Sunday, are considered the favourites to be crowned Champions of the Premier League at the end of the season by most. Sundaya s draw takes Chelsea six points clear at the top with a game in hand over second-placed Manchester City. However, Mourinho claims that Arsenal, who are third in the league, are also a part of the title race.
Arsenal are only a point behind the second place and are seven points off the top. Manchester Citya s away defeat to Burnley and Chelseaa s home draw to Southampton has given The Gunners a long shot at toppling the top two by the end of the season.
Arsenal are on an impressive run of form, having won eight of their last nine Premier League games. Jose Mourinho believes that Arsenala s current position in the league means that they are in the title race but the Chelsea manager also dismissed that Wengera s men have momentum on their side.
When questioned whether Arsenal are in the title race, Mourinho said, a Of course. Of course. Seven points behind Chelsea and one less match to play than Chelsea.
“I keep thinking whether our opposition is better than them [over the run-in], but I think so. Both teams are in the race.a
But when asked whether Arsenala s momentum makes them a bigger threat than Manchester City, Mourinho added, a Which momentum? 3-1 against Monaco or 3-0 against West Ham? It depends on the momentum.a
Mourinho also spoke about the disappointment with Sundaya s result which denied Chelsea the chance to go eight points clear of Manchester City with an extra game to play. However, the manager seemed satisfied with the six point advantage Chelsea hold over Manchester City.
a I have two perspectives,a said Mourinho. a One perspective is a draw at home to Southampton is not a good result. For me, that perspective is very acceptable because I have this feeling. And the second perspective is we had a lead of five points from second, and now ita s six with one less match to play.
a If someone had told me in August that at the end of March wea d be six points in front with a match in hand, Ia d have signed for that immediately.a
Though, Manchester City and Arsenal have a shot at claiming the title, Chelsea currently find themselves in the best position possible to be crowned the champions of the Premier League.