Willian says Chelsea can compete with the Manchester clubs (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea winger Willian has warned Manchester United and Manchester City not to take the title race for granted despite their flying starts to the season.

The Blues have already dropped five points at home this season with a defeat to Burnley and draw with Arsenal, putting them three points behind the two Manchester clubs after five games.

However, Willian has reminded Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola that the champions were also slow to get going last term before going on to stroll to the Premier League title.

Willian played a key role in Chelsea’s title win last season (Picture: Getty)

Speaking about the club’s slightly unconvincing start, the Brazil international reminded Chelsea’s rivals that it is more about how you finish than how you start.

‘They (United and City) start very well, but sometimes in football it is not important the way you start, it is important the way you finish because last season we started not to well, and then we arrive there,’ he told Sky Sports.

‘So it is important to always be ready for everything.’

United and City were also billed as early favourites last season before falling away (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea 2017/18 Fixtures

Newcastle (A) - Sun May 13

Chelsea notably lost back-to-back games against Liverpool and Arsenal last September, before going on a 13-game winning streak in the league that more or less put them out of sight by the turn of the year.

Conte’s side had a difficult summer, however, missing out on a number of top transfer targets to bolster a squad now coping with the added pressure of midweek games in the Champions League.

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