Chelsea¿s Michael Essien has issued a warning to their title rivals by stating that they will be crowned champions this season.
Midfielder confident
Chelsea's Michael Essien has issued a warning to their title rivals by stating that they will be crowned Premier League champions this season.
The Blues already have a five-point advantage over reigning champions Manchester United, following their worst start in 15 years, as they sit in second place in the table behind Manchester City.
"We are favourites of course," Essien told The Sun. "We are the best and will win the title. It is as simple as that.
"The standard for us is to win the title and win all the titles we are competing for.
"Everybody expects us to win the title and that is what we are focused on doing.
"We don't care about United - what is most important is that we win all our matches and the rest will be history.
"I don't think their start has eased the pressure on us.
"There are teams who have shown early promise like Manchester City so it doesn't mean we are free from the pressure of everybody expecting us to win the title.
"We are not underestimating any team but with this attitude we should win the title."
Threats
Despite United's poor start to the season, Essien has not written off the Red Devils or other teams to pose a threat to their ambitions, as Chelsea seek to win as many games as possible in their bid for the title.
"United might be in a difficult position right now but they might bounce back," Essien continued.
"We should be concentrating on getting maximum points, not only to fend off the challenge from United, but also the early pacesetters."
