Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has acknowledged that it will be difficult to prevent Manchester City from winning the Premier League title.
City have already established a five-point lead at the top of the standings, while Chelsea sit nine points off the pace after suffering three defeats.
Conte has acknowledged that the Blues may struggle to defend their crown, but insists that it could be a similar case for each of their rivals.
The 48-year-old told reporters: "Now there are big problems for all the teams that want to fight for the title. The big problem is Manchester City. If City continue in this way, it will be difficult to fight for the title.
"We have to try to do our best. I don't know, honestly, if they will continue. Until now, they are on a fantastic path. If they continue it will be very difficult for other teams to fight for the title until the end."
Chelsea play host to Manchester United on Sunday afternoon looking to close the gap on the second-placed team to just one point.
Darren Plant
