PREMIER LEAGUE: Cesar Azpilicueta sets date for Chelsea to leapfrog Manchester City in EPL title race

The Premier League defending champions Manchester City has been warned by Cesar Azpilicueta that Chelsea will replace them at the top of the table by December 8 at the latest.

On Sunday, Chelsea defeat Crystal Palace 3-1  to extend their unbeaten streak to 16 games in all competitions and are within two points of Pep Guardiola's side, who are topping the table.

Before facing each other at Stamford Bridge in just under five weeks' time, both clubs have four League games to play.

If the two clubs win all those fixtures, Chelsea can leapfrog Manchester City by securing the three points against them at home.

Azpilicueta insists that's the goal set by every player inside the Chelsea dressing room and said: "It’s in our hands. Definitely, if we keep winning, we have the chance to make it happen on December 8.

"We are aware to get to that chance, you have to win games like we did against Crystal Palace.

"We must not drop points, we have to work hard, keep improving and let’s wait till that day, if we can grab the chance to do it.

"So far, we are delightful with our results. There’s still room to do better and the League is a tough one - for every game you have to fight.

"To top the table at the moment is something we desire and to still be at the top in the end. We know it’s difficult, but we have the experience on how to win the EPL and we will give it a shot."

Azpilicueta was a key integral of Chelsea's title victories in 2015 and 2017, but was furious to finish in fifth place and 30 points behind league champion, Manchester City last season.

So far this season, Chelsea have been able to keep pace with Guardiola's team, despite Maurizio Sarri arriving in July and changing the style of play completely.

When asked if Manchester City consider them as a threat, Cesar said: "It’s up to us. We finished 30 points behind Man City last season. The difference was huge, but we are very close this year. It’s up to us to keep the rhythm because are two points behind. 

"It keeps getting harder and harder to win the League every year, so it’s up to us. We have to focus to improve during the week and in the games. That’s been the focal point since Maurizio came.

"The run they had winning so many games in a row last season, no team was able to get anywhere near them.

"No doubt we are closer, but this is November. Definitely, you want to sit top of the table but in England, we have the Christmas period where we play several games, and in February, the European knockout stages come in but we are gonna see how far we can put up a fight."