Chelsea boss Frank Lampard will know that the club still has a long way to go before they are challenging Manchester City , despite beating last season's Premier League champions on Thursday night. That's the opinion of former Blues midfielder Craig Burley, who believes Manchester United could still leapfrog them in the table in the final stages.
Related articles Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson fights back tears after title win Liverpool icon Steven Gerrard posts classy message after Reds secur... Chelsea's 2-1 win over City at Stamford Bridge confirmed Liverpool as Premier League champions. But for Blues fans, the win was much more significant, as it gave them extra breathing space over Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.
Christian Pulisic and Willian scored either side of a Kevin de Bruyne screamer to give the Blues the three points.
Chelsea and United are in a tight race for the top four spaces in the table, as Lampard is desperate to secure Champions League football for next season.
The Blues are currently fourth in the table, five points ahead of United.
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Chelsea news: Frank Lampard warned Man Utd could have advantage in top four race (Image: GETTY) But United are in red-hot form, and have a fairly easy run-in compared to Chelsea's.
The Red Devils will play relegation-threatened Aston Villa, West Ham and Brighton, while Chelsea have to play newly-crowned champions Liverpool and fellow Champions League chasers Sheffield United.
And Burley believes that having come into the job in the middle of a transfer embargo, Lampard has done well to get the team into a strong position, as was proved by Thursday night's result.
He explained that qualifying for the Champions League ahead of United should be his top priority at the moment before moving on to challenge for the title.
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Related articles Ferdinand explains why he doesn't want Liverpool to win title tonight Chelsea manager Frank Lampard gives interesting Liverpool verdict READ MORE Liverpool stars filmed celebrating Premier League title win "Chelsea can only worry about putting themselves in a better position after the transfer ban," Burley said on ESPN FC .
"I think they've done that.
"But Frank Lampard will know they've still got a ways to go.
"City will improve next year, because mark my words they'll try their damnest [sic] to hunt Liverpool down.
Chelsea news: Frank Lampard warned Man Utd could have advantage in top four race (Image: GETTY) Related articles The five Premier League records Liverpool could still break this year Liverpool fans begin Premier League title celebrations around Anfield READ MORE Liverpool crowned Premier League champions and back on their perch "There's no doubt that Chelsea have to make sure they nail this top four.
"Fifth place as you know may get Champions League football, but it might not.
"United have improved and we know United's run-in is particularly easy.
"Chelsea have given themselves a bit of breathing space, but they've got to make sure they get the job done."
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