‘WIN OR DREAM IS OVER’

Harry Pratt

CHELSEA ace Willian says his team now have no choice – but to win every game in the title race.

The Blues’ first defeat of the season – at Tottenham last Saturday – left them trailing leaders Manchester City.

And, ahead of today’s highnoon derby at home to Fulham, Willian conceded there is now NO margin for error – whatsoever.

Asked whether the gap is too big to make up, Willian, who played in the Europa League rout of Greek outfit PAOK on Thursday, insisted it could be closed.

The Samba star said: “Not in the Premier League, no. We know it’s difficult and we must do it step by step.

“I think we have to win every game. We cannot afford to lose any more points.”

Blues boss Sarri had written off his side as genuine contenders long before their 3-1 crushing at Spurs.

That brought an abrupt end to Chelsea’s 18-game unbeaten start to the campaign.

And it also led to the Italian coach branding the performance, “a disaster that had been coming”.

Since then, Sarri has become embroiled in a heated debate over N’golo Kante’s best position on the pitch.

Most regard the France World Cup winner to be the best holding midfielder on the planet.

Sarri, however, is adamant that he lacks the necessary skills to assume that anchor role in his Chelsea line-up.

Willian, unsurprisingly, is not about to dispute that take on a situation simmering at the Bridge.

He said: “We know the game against Tottenham was difficult – that it was a disaster, as you say. But sometimes this happens.

“Sometimes it’s not your day, you make mistakes. We just have to learn from them.

“Every single player needs to improve – it’s not only N’golo.

“You always have to do improve in football – even when you are winning.”

That improvement could well begin at the Bridge this afternoon.