Manchester City defender Eliaquim Mangala has claimed that Arsenal and Manchester United are still Premier League title contenders this season.
Second-placed City sit three points behind leaders Chelsea but five clear of United, with all signs pointing to a two-horse race for the crown.
However, Mangala has warned his Sky Blues teammates that both the Red Devils and Arsenal - who are 13 points behind the Blues - can recover from their early-season woes.
"I don't think it's just down to two teams. I think a lot of teams can be involved," he told The Mirror. "Just a few games ago, we were eight or nine points behind Chelsea and we have come right back to be on their heels.
"They are not making a huge amount of noise about it, but certainly United are there in terms of league position and points. They have been winning and are gradually coming back into things.
"And who is to say that Arsenal can't put a run together and get back in the race for the title as well? We have to focus on getting our own results, and performing well ourselves in order to put pressure on the other teams."
The Citizens will move level on points with Jose Mourinho's side at the summit if they beat Crystal Palace in Saturday's early kickoff at Eastlands.
Shane Callaghan
