Juan Mata refuses to rule Chelsea out of Premier League title race ahead of Manchester City test

Juan Mata believes victory over Manchester City could reinvigorate Chelsea’s Premier League title hopes.

“I think it is not impossible for us,” the Spaniard told reporters. “They have a big points difference, but I think it is not impossible.

The Blues currently lie 10 points off the pace, with City having recorded the best start to a season in Premier League history.

But Mata feels there is still a long way to go, and believes that a home win over unbeaten City on Monday evening would make a huge statement of intent.

“If we win against City, we will have more confidence. The Premier League does not finish for another six months," said Mata.

“It is very difficult for them to win every game, as they are doing at the moment. So for us and the other teams, we just have to hope that they stop winning.”

City boss Roberto Mancini recently claimed his side are on the same level as Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona, but Mata disagrees.

“It is very difficult to be like Barcelona for other teams,” he explained. “They have been together for three or four years.

“City are playing very well as well, but Barca have some of the best in the world. "

He added, “As a player, you have respect for Barcelona but you never have fear. You have to plan for a good game with them and to try to cause them problems.

“So, no, we do not have any fear of City, especially because we’re playing at home, but we do have the ultimate respect for them because they’re the league leaders.”

Mata and countryman David Silva have set the Premier League alight this season with their guile, and the 23-year-old believes this is because they are allowed to play their natural game.

“David and I are allowed to play like we are in Spain, with more possession, more passes, more assists, and here everything is normally different to that,” he said.