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Branislav Ivanovic insists Chelsea have time to 'put it right'

Raheem Sterling takes on Branislav Ivanovic
Image: Branislav Ivanovic (left) tussles with Raheem Sterling during Sunday's 3-0 defeat at the Etihad

Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic insists two games into the season is too early to be writing off the Londoners' chances of retaining their Premier League title.

Chelsea lost 3-0 to Manchester City on Sunday and trail Manuel Pellegrini's side by five points having drawn their opening match of the campaign at home to Swansea.

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Ivanovic admits the stuttering start to the season is far from ideal but refuses to being overly concerned with 36 matches remaining.

"At the moment, yes it looks a big gap - two games, five points - but we have to look at our situation and improve," said the Serb.

Vincent Kompany celebrates scoring Man City's second goal against Chelsea.
Image: Vincent Kompany celebrates scoring Manchester City's second goal against Chelsea

"It was a very difficult game for us but we can come back. This is the Premier League. Every game is another final so we have to look forward.

"We know what we haven't done well in the first two games but there is another 36 and we have to improve ourselves.

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho defends his decision to substitute captain John Terry at half-time against Man City

"For sure we will not give up after these two bad results for us. On Sunday we didn't compete with them and this was the problem for us in this game."

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Chelsea ensured a troubled build-up to the game after a week of headlines dominated by manager Jose Mourinho's row with two of his medical staff.

Branislav Ivanovic, Nemanja Matic, Cesc Fabregas and Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea celebrate
Image: Ivanovic (left) warns Chelsea's title rivals not to rule out repeat of these scenes at the end of the season

This latest result, and its emphatic nature, could increase tensions at Stamford Bridge and Ivanovic concedes there can be no more revelling in last season's title success.

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Sky Sports pundit Thierry Henry was full of praise for Man City striker Sergio Aguero - saying he looked relaxed in the Chelsea penalty area

"We know that this is another year. Last year we won the title and we play with extra pressure now and we have to adapt to that," said the 31-year-old.

"We have to forget last season and start thinking about the points this season."

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