Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes he and his team-mates are still capable of retaining their Premier League crown, despite their torrid start to the season.

Having cruised their way to the English crown last term, it has been a start to the campaign that nobody at Stamford Bridge would have predicted under manager Jose Mourinho.

Two wins from eight games sees Chelsea stuck down in 16th place, with 10 points between themselves and current frontrunners Manchester City.

Former Arsenal and Barcelona playmaker Fabregas, who was a key figure in helping the Blues win the title last season, has admitted the start to the season has come as shock but believes the players can turn things around.

He told The Sun: “It is a very strange situation for Chelsea to be at the wrong end of the table. And, for most of us at the club, it is the first time we have ever been down there.

“Now we know how it feels and we all hate it. At Chelsea, we always want to be at the top of the Premier League, fighting to win the Champions League, competing for every trophy.

“So it’s clear this time we are doing things wrong and our performances have not been at the level required at this club. We have to change that, starting this weekend against Aston Villa.”

The Blues are 1.33 to win, 5.00 to draw and 9.00 to lose to fellow struggles Aston Villa at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.