Michael Essien today warned Arsenal and Manchester United that Chelsea are back in the title race.

The midfielder believes Avram Grant's team can still reclaim the Premier League crown despite falling behind their rivals at the top of the table amid the recent turmoil.

Chelsea lie fourth and trail leaders Arsenal by five points despite having played a game more, but they are full of confidence after smashing Manchester City 6-0 on Saturday.

Essien said: “We can still win the league this season. We have got the players and are back on track now and winning matches. If we can keep going like that we can turn things around.

“It is very important to score goals and not concede. It keeps our confidence up. It is always difficult for teams to come to Stamford Bridge.”

Chelsea have won six of their last seven games under Grant and with Didier Drogba and Frank Lampard back fit, they look formidable.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech believes the ghost of previous head coach Jose Mourinho has now been exorcised.

He said: “It is important that we climb the table.

"We are already within sight of United and Arsenal and we are prepared to cut the margin completely.

"The objective is clear — we must keep winning and winning as we have already lost a lot of points.

"Once you are winning, all the problems are forgotten. We are okay.

“The last four games we have played great, we have won them and not conceded. We went through a dark spell in September but now we are back. Chelsea are a big power.”

Joe Cole claimed Saturday's performance was “special” but Grant remains cautious in public about the chances of regaining the title because of the ground Chelsea have lost.

However, he is in no doubt that the trophies will roll in if the club follow the plan he is putting in place and has warned his side can get better still.

He said: “What we are doing now will affect Chelsea for many years. And if we are successful in what we are trying to achieve then Chelsea will take many titles.

“We are in the process of trying to play positive football and we are going in the right way.”

Chelsea turn to the Carling Cup on Wednesday against Leicester in confident mood after goals from Essien, two from Drogba, Cole, Salomon Kalou and Andriy Shevchenko demolished City.