Branislav Ivanovic believes Chelsea have the best chance to win the Premier League title since they last won it in 2010.
Jose Mourinho’s side closed back to within four points of leaders Arsenal with a 3-1 win against Southampton yesterday, having fallen behind after just 13 seconds.
In the previous three seasons, Chelsea’s inconsistent form has left them cut adrift from the main challengers by this point and with too much ground to make up.
But the Blues have already recovered more points from losing positions (eight) than any other team in the top flight this term to remain in contention and Ivanovic, part of the squad that lifted the trophy in 2010, feels that is the sign of a title-winning team. “At the moment, this is our best opportunity since 2010 to win it,” said the 29-year-old defender.
“In the years before at this stage, we would always be trailing by a lot of points. But we are up there now and this has given us a great chance. It’s a good thing when you go into each game feeling you are there and right at the top.
“It’s not like last year where we had to run for the points and it put us under pressure and was much more difficult. We have improved as a team but we have to show it every game.
“This team has the character to do things like that [come from behind] but it’s important to show that every match, to be at our top level.”
This month is crucial to Chelsea’s hopes, with another six League games to play, including match-ups against Arsenal (December 23) and Liverpool (December 29).
Ivanovic added: “In December, you can definitely see why this League is so hard.
“It provides one of the main references for how strong your team is and if it’s tough enough to win this League.
“It’s important for us during these physical games to win and get the points.
“Before the start, we said the League was going to be very equal and difficult, with a lot of teams having the ability to win. Five or six teams can win the League and that makes it extremely hard.”
