Chelsea star Eden Hazard is sticking to Jose Mourinho’s ‘underdog’ script, despite the Blues now being seven points clear of Liverpool at the top of the table and favourites with Paddy Power to win the Premier League.

Chelsea’s early exit from the FA Cup meant that they were able to pull further clear this weekend whilst their rivals enjoyed a rest (in the case of Liverpool) or endured a humiliating cup defeat (in Manchester City’s case).

The Blues’ comprehensive 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur sent their clearest message yet that they are the team to beat this season, but Hazard remains cautious. “Manchester City will become champions if they win all of their games,” Hazard said. “We have enough quality to play for first spot, but City are still favourites as they have the better players,” he added.

Hazard may view City as favourites to take the title but they now have to win all three of their games in hand just to draw level with Chelsea, and above them on goal difference. With Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool still to come in the league for City, Hazard accepts that he would rather be sat on top of the table with the points already secured but he is certainly not becoming complacent. “It’s more difficult to be second or third with some games less as you have to win those games. We’ll see what happens at the end,” the Belgian said. “If we want to win something this season, we’ll have to survive games like those against Spurs.”

Jose Mourinho and his team have been quick to play down their chances all season but, after Saturday’s win, the title is surely theirs to lose. Hazard can make out that he believes that City have the stronger squad but he, and his manager, aren’t fooling anyone.