Didi Hamann believes it is a two-horse race for the Premier League title this season as he ruled out two clubs from contention.
Having come from behind twice to salvage a draw against Fulham on Saturday, Liverpool remain top of the league with just one defeat in their first 15 games.
The Reds have started superbly under new boss Arne Slot but saw their lead at the summit cut to just two points after Chelsea won their fifth league game in a row against Brentford on Sunday.
In fact, Enzo Maresca’s side could temporarily move top of the tree on Sunday when they visit Everton before Liverpool’s clash with Tottenham later that day.
For Arsenal and Manchester City, however, the weekend’s result saw both sides slip further away from the leaders.
Despite facing an Everton side with just one win from their last six games, the Gunners were held to a frustrating goalless draw at the Emirates.
City, meanwhile, suffered a shock late defeat to rivals Manchester United to extend their remarkable run of bad form and fall outside the top four.
Arsenal and City have fiercely contended for the title over the past few campaigns, but Hamann believes that both clubs are already out of the running this season.
‘It’s clear City are in a lot of trouble and they will not be winning the Premier League, they are going backwards,’ Hamann said, speaking to BoyleSports about Premier League Odds.
‘Chelsea are looking very good, very solid and sometimes without playing well, but they are getting results and winning games quite comfortably.
‘Arsenal are dropping points that they shouldn’t do and the last two seasons, they played out their skin but didn’t get the job done so I think it’s a two-horse race between Liverpool and Chelsea.’
Chelsea boss Maresca has frequently asserted that his side are not ready to contend for the league this season but Hamann is certain that the Italian is playing mind games.
‘Enzo Maresca 100% knows Chelsea are in the title race,’ the German added.
‘They are two points off with a game in hand and their squad built over the last two years is brilliant and there is a structure now.
‘[Cole] Palmer is in fine form, [Noni] Madueke has been brilliant and [Nicolas] Jackson is scoring goals.
‘[Moises] Caicedo is showing why they paid so much money for him. Chelsea can win seven games on the bounce and no-one will notice, but they are looking very impressive.’
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