Jose Mourinho: Arsenal ‘deserve’ title more than Chelsea

Jose Mourinho is convinced that Arsenal remain the favourites to win the title this season, claiming that the Gunners “deserve” to lift the trophy ahead of his Chelsea side.

Chelsea’s 1-0 victory at Manchester City on Monday night blew the title race wide open once again and left the Gunners two points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Branislav Ivanovic’s first-half goal helped Mourinho’s side prove that City are not invincible at home as they became the first team to leave Etihad Stadium with any points this season.

Maybe Arsenal deserve it more than us. They are top of the league and they are the favourites

Jose Mourinho

But Mourinho played down his Chelsea side’s chances of winning the title after their battling victory in Manchester.

“Arsenal are working for many, many years for the evolution of their team,” said Mourinho.

“What we are doing this season is what Arsenal have been building to for years.

“It means nothing for us to come here and park the bus and win 1-0 in a lucky situation. The evolution is more important.

“When we played Arsenal [drawing 0-0] at the Emirates, Arsenal was the leader. Today City was [second]. This is the best thing that can happen to this team.

“Maybe Arsenal deserve it more than us. They are top of the league and they are the favourites. We go behind them and play and watch.”