Chelsea are still the next in line for the Premier League title, ahead of Arsenal, according to pundit Steve Sidwell.

The comments come despite the Blues' Premier League defeat to Fulham on Boxing Day. Chelsea initially led at Stamford Bridge courtesy of a composed finish from Cole Palmer in the first half.

However, Fulham substitute Harry Wilson then put the visitors back on level terms after the break with a headed effort. Chelsea appeared to heading for a draw, but a conceded a gut wrenching goal late on as Rodrigo Muniz finished a Fulham counter attack.

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The result means Chelsea remain four points behind runaway leaders Liverpool, who are in action against Leicester City later this evening. A victory against the Foxes will put them seven clear, while the Merseyside outfit have a further game in hand after their meeting with Everton was postponed earlier this month.

Arsenal, on the other hand, can leapfrog Chelsea in the table if they beat Ipswich Town on Friday. Although, Sidwell still feels Enzo Maresca 's side are next in line behind Liverpool.

“There’s a big difference between Chelsea and Liverpool," the pundit told Amazon Prime after the match at Stamford Bridge. "Liverpool, at the moment, are a relentless machine and you can see the gulf.

“What you can guarantee with this Chelsea squad, from the beginning of the season to now, they’ve improved. I think from now until the end of the season they will improve again.

“They are slowly going about their business. For me, it’s Liverpool’s [title] to throw away. Now, the next one in line is Chelsea. They are there or there about.”