Frank Lampard has warned Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola that his Chelsea team are very much on their tail after his side’s 2-1 loss to Manchester City on Saturday evening.
The reigning champions came from behind to keep themselves within nine points of Premier League leaders Liverpool.
All the goals in an open contest at the Etihad Stadium came in the first half as the hosts responded to N’Golo Kante’s early strike with goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez.
And despite the defeat, Lampard admitted he believes his side are very much on the right track after the game.
“We’re coming to close the gap,” the Englishman told the media.
“We have to show a response to having a great run of wins.
“I feel there were big parts of that game that show we were coming.
“We know there’s a transitional feel to it but if we keep working we’ll be coming.”
City boss Pep Guardiola also paid tribute to the opposition after a game in which City, unusually, did not have the majority of possession.
“They are a top side but we fought a lot and we had the victory,” he said.
“They are so good, they are incredible. It’s Chelsea!
“What you see in last 20 years, Chelsea are a great side – some bad moments, but it’s Chelsea.
“The last five, six, seven years City won more titles but the last 15-20 years it’s Chelsea, (Manchester) United, United, Chelsea.”