Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes that Manchester City were better rested heading into Saturday's Premier League clash between the two clubs.
The champions were humbled at home by Pep Guardiola's team, losing the match 1-0 and thus falling six points behind two Manchester clubs, who jointly lead the table.
The Spaniard believes that fatigue played an important role behind Chelsea's downfall as they were forced to take to the pitch twice in the space of four days, while their opponents got a day more to rest and prepare for the big fixture, while the Blues also had to travel, unlike the Citizens.
Fabregas though has made no attempt to downplay the quality Manchester City have.
"They are a great team. We know that. They had won their last two games, much in the same manner that we did, so congratulations to them", Fabregas told his club's official website.
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Fabregas also dismissed any suggestion there could have been a weaker Chelsea side than last term on show, adding: "This was without a doubt the same Chelsea of last season, but what happened was that we came up against a City side who went into the game much better rested than we did. Nothing more.
But Fabregas believes as the season is still at a nascent stage, there will still be a lots of games to play before the table starts taking its final shape.
"This time last year we were eight points behind, but it doesn’t mean anything.
"There is still a long way to go in all competitions."
