Manuel Pellegrini: Chelsea play like a "small team"

Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has claimed that Chelsea play like a "small team" against the top sides in the Premier League.

The Blues can secure the top-flight crown for the first time in five years with a victory against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Although Pellegrini believes that Jose Mourinho's men deserve to win the title, he feels that a truly great side dominates matches rather than relying on defensive tactics to secure points.

He told reporters: "I always try to think in the same way when we are losing or winning. When we play against Chelsea I say the impression is we play against a small team with very good players.

"For me, a big team which has possession of the ball must try to score more goals, must try always to win. But, I repeat, the most important thing is to win. After that you can choose the style you want.

"This season I think that Chelsea were the best team, that he deserves to win the title because he has [had] the most consistent team with very good players. I congratulate his owner because he is always improving his squad and I congratulate his fans and Jose Mourinho and the players because they deserve, absolutely, the title."

City are currently second in the Premier League, 13 points behind the Blues.