Chelsea Boss Jose Mourinho Continues Arsenal Criticism

Chelsea manager Jose Mournho has continued his war of words with Arsenal by declaring the north Londoners out of the Premier League title race.

The Gunners returned to the top on Boxing Day after victory over West Ham United as leaders Liverpool were beaten by Manchester City.

But despite setting the pace, Mourinho believes Arsenal and his own side Chelsea are playing for a top four spot while Liverpool, City and Manchester United are the main title contenders.

"At this moment, everybody's there," Mourinho said. "It's Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and City in the top four. This year the pressure will be not just to win the title, but to get top four. I think it'll be hard.

"If I have to say, and I know you'd like me to say, Manchester City are the big, big, big favourites.

"Liverpool are on holidays for the whole season, one week to prepare a match, play the match, one more week to prepare the next match, which is an unbelievable advantage.

"And Manchester United, in spite of being a few points behind, are the reality of the last years.

"Leave us there, behind them. We'll try and do our job and finish top four.

"Arsenal are like us. They play in the Champions League. They are trying to improve from the last few years. For many years they've not been at the top of the league.

"Chelsea were 25 and 14 points off the leaders in the last two years. For us and Arsenal we have to try and do our best."

The comments are a further dig by Mourinho at Arsenal, whom he criticised after the goalless draw between the two sides on Monday.

After a decade of underachievement, Arsenal are genuine contenders for the title for the first time since they last won the league in 2004, when they went the entire campaign unbeaten under Arsene Wenger.