Eden Hazard has claimed that Liverpool and Manchester City are the Chelsea’s main competition for the title this season, apparently ruling Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur out of the race.
The Belgian midfielder has been in resurgent form this season, bagging 7 goals and 1 assist in 13 appearances. Chelsea are also flying high, retaining their place at the top of the table with an impressive 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur over the weekend.
However, they are only 1 point ahead of Liverpool and Manchester City, who are tied on points and separated only by goal difference. According to Hazard, it is those two teams who will be fighting Chelsea for the title this season.
According to the Independent, Hazard had this to say when asked who Chelsea’s main title rivals would be: “Man City and Liverpool. They are both good. If we want to be there at the end, then we have to finish above them.”
When asked about next Saturday’s crucial clash against Manchester City, Hazard acknowledged that it would be a difficult game for the Blues.
“We know it’s always difficult to win there,” said the Belgium captain. “They beat Burnley and they have a lot of good players – Aguero and De Bruyne. I hope it will be a good game and if we can win there it will be good.”
Arsenal are conspicuously absent from Hazard’s nomination of Chelsea’s main title rivals, as are Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur.
The Gunners have not lost a single game since the opening day defeat against Liverpool, but disappointing draws against Middlesbrough and Leicester City have led to them dropping precious points in what looks likely to be a hotly contested title race.
Tottenham suffered their first defeat of the season against Chelsea, but have drawn a whopping 6 of their 13 games so far.
There is no doubt that Chelsea and Liverpool have been the most impressive teams this season, while City have also looked unplayable at times.
Saturday’s clash between Chelsea and Manchester City could provide a better indication of the teams’ respective levels. It is sure to be an enthralling encounter given the exciting brand of football both Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola have brought to their respective teams.
