Chelsea star Cesc Fabregas has insisted that Saturday's defeat to Manchester City will not impact upon the club's Premier League title challenge.
The West London outfit, who took the crown by seven points last season, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Pep Guardiola's side at the weekend.
As it stands, Antonio Conte's men reside fourth in the table, six points adrift of Manchester City and Manchester United, who sit first and second respectively.
Fabregas, though, is not worried about the Blues' minor setback, insisting that the team remain genuine title contenders.
"This was without a doubt the same Chelsea of last season, but what happened was that we came up against a City side who went into the game much better rested than we did. Nothing more," the midfielder told the club's official website.
"This time last year we were eight points behind, but it doesn't mean anything. There is still a long way to go in all competitions."
Chelsea have lost two of their seven league games this season.
Danielle Joynson
