Cesc Fabregas has warned Manchester City that Chelsea are primed to pounce when they slip up.
The Blues closed the gap to leaders City to eight points with victory over Newcastle on Saturday, but have played once more than the Premier League pace-setters.
Pep Guardiola's side host West Ham on Sunday and can extend their winning run to 20 games across all competitions with victory.
But Fabregas has not given up hope as Chelsea bid to defend their Premier League crown.
Indeed, The Blues are unbeaten in seven, winning six, and Fabregas has spelt out the importance of Antonio Conte's men doing their bit to keep the challenge alive.
"It is important to get the win," Fabregas told Chelsea TV.
"We needed to win before the top teams played and it was an important three points.
"It is still a long way to go and that is why we have to hope Manchester City will slip up and we will manage to put some pressure on them.
"They are there because they deserve it and our job is just to keep going and see what happens at the top."
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