Rio Ferdinand has admitted that Chelsea have proved him wrong by establishing themselves as genuine Premier League title contenders this season.

The Blues underlined their status as genuine challengers for the title when they came from a goal down to beat Manchester City 3-1 at The Etihad on Saturday lunchtime.

Goals from Diego Costa, Willian and Eden Hazard secured the three points for Antonio Conte’s men as they continued their fine form in the top flight.

The win was Chelsea’s eighth successive victory in the top flight and their performances in recent weeks have been in stark contrast to their below-par displays last term.

And former Manchester United defender Ferdinand admits that he did not expect to see Chelsea challenge for the Premier League title this season.

Speaking on BT Sport’s Premier League Tonight show, Ferdinand said: “They’re contenders.

“I didn’t have them as contenders because I thought they were too far off it last season.

“To make such a drastic improvement is testament to the management of Antonio Conte.

“The intensity that they’re performing with at the moment is unbelievable. It’s a big contrast to last season.”

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Chelsea finished 10th and without a trophy in a campaign to forget for the west London club last season.

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