Chelsea last won the Premier League during Guardiola's first season at Manchester City in 2016-17. Since then, it has been Man City who have dominated the competition, winning five trophies in the last six campaigns.

Chelsea beat Man City in the 2021 Champions League final, but there has been a lot of turmoil at the London club since then and they are currently 10th in the table.

Guardiola, who led his side to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, said:

"Chelsea are still an important team in England. It is true that in the Premier League they are unlikely to win the title last season, but they are still one of the strongest teams, no doubt about that. In the last game, they are still alive, they are in good spirits, they are ambitious, they are good role models. The quality is still there.

It was one of the toughest games we have had this season. "Soon Chelsea will be there to challenge for the title and I guess sooner."