Glasgow Times

Cesc set to take on pace-setters

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CESC Fabregas admits Chelsea and the other Premier League title challenger­s are now hoping for Manchester City to suffer a slip as Pep Guardiola’s side continue to dominate.

City are the odds-on favourites to take the crown having stormed out of the blocks this season, leaving the likes of neighbours Manchester United and champions Chelsea trailing in their wake.

The Blues have started to put together a strong run of results, though, and saw off Newcastle 3-1 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Dwight Gayle put the visitors into a surprise lead only for Eden Hazard to first level and then wrap up the points with a Panenka penalty after Alvaro Morata had headed Antonio Conte’s men in front.

Despite Chelsea clinching six wins from their last seven games, Fabregas knows the Blues need City to start dropping points to give them any chance of retaining their crown.

“It is important to get the win,” he told ChelseaTV.

“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.”

In contrast to Chelsea’s form, Newcastle have now taken just a point from their previous six games.

Midfielder Mikel Merino was impressed by Chelsea. He said: “Chelsea are a really good team. They have pace, ability and they are individual­ly one of the strongest teams.”

 ??  ?? Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas
Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas

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