Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech believes Liverpool still have to prove they are capable of holding their nerve in the Premier League title race despite Sunday’s 3-2 win over Manchester City.
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Liverpool are now two points clear of Chelsea at the top of the table and seven clear of City, although Manuel Pellegrini’s men have two games in hand on the sides above them.
The Reds’ fate is in their own hands, but Chelsea still have to visit Anfield on April 27 and Cech remains hopeful over his side’s chances.
“No one expected anything from Liverpool and they are in contention, and that is why they play without pressure so far, but let's see how they are going to cope when it comes to the last hurdle,” Cech told reporters.
“They will have to jump over it and they have been doing remarkably well. We have things in our hands. We need to wait for one slip-up from Manchester City, but if we win our games we have a chance.
“At the start, everyone has 38 games to have the most points and I don't think at the end of 38 games it is a question of luck. The one who gets the most points obviously deserves to win the title, so we will see who it will be.
“It is great to put ourselves in a situation where we know we have a chance, so we will go for it. If we win all of our games, right at the end we will be in contention.”
The Premier League title race may be affected by Chelsea’s Champions League ambitions, with the Blues’ two semifinal ties against Atletico Madrid being played either side of their trip to Anfield.
“We have two huge games in the Champions League and there will be a little bit of congestion, and that is the way that it is,” he added. “It’s going to be very tough to play three games like this in a row, but we are a top club and you come here for this opportunity to play big games.
“It is always good to be in a position where you play for everything during April and May. It is why it is so exciting.”