Chelsea not Title contenders- Mourinho

 

 

José Mourinho played down Chelsea's title hopes after his side overcame Manchester City 1-0 by describing them as the "little horse" in a three-way race that includes Arsenal.

Branislav Ivanovic's first-half winner drew Chelsea level with City on 53 points, Arsenal remaining leaders on 55. City fielded Martín Demichelis, a central defender, in midfield for the injured Fernandinho who may miss up to a month due to a muscle injury.

This was the first time they failed to score in 62 home league matches, a run stretching back to a 0-0 draw with Birmingham City on 13 November 2010.

Asked whether Chelsea could become champions for a first time in four seasons, Mourinho said: "I don't agree. We lost points at home against West Brom, against West Ham, we lost at Stoke, we lost at Newcastle. We are a team in evolution but this is the kind of performance that helps the team to grow up a lot, tactically, mentally, I think it was fantastic.

"The next pre-season, me and my players will say openly that we are mature, solid from day one and are candidates for the league. This season is about evolution." He said of Manchester City: "We can [win the title] if they lose it.