Interim coach Rafael Benitez says Chelsea have no thoughts about a title challenge despite closing on the Manchester clubs after a fourth straight victory.
The 2-1 win at Everton on Sunday moved Chelsea to within four points of second-placed Manchester City with a game in hand.
But they remain 11 points adrift of leaders Manchester United and despite the clear progress being made by the Stamford Bridge club, Benitez maintains it is too soon to consider Chelsea potential challengers.
“We have a game in hand but we still have to win it,” the Spaniard said.
“Our idea is to approach the competition thinking about one game at a time. We are not watching the table too much.
“We are just thinking about the next game and the next three points we will be trying to win. We will see where we are after some more games.”
Benitez was an unpopular appointment with the club’s fans following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo, who guided Chelsea to the Champions League trophy last season.
But the interim manager feels that Chelsea’s unsuccessful trip to the Club World Cup in Japan has helped his players to adopt his ideas.
The Blues were beaten in the final by Corinthians but former Liverpool manager Benitez thinks that the heavy training schedule has been key to improving performances.
That defeat was the only match that Chelsea have not won in their last seven games in all competitions.
Benitez added: “There is a process of understanding each other and the players knowing what we want.
“The trip to Japan was important for us because we were together for a long time, training. We had at least two or three sessions where we could work on new things and you can see it working out.
“We are still making some mistakes that we have to manage, but the team is much better.
“What impresses me is the attitude of the players. They are keen to learn and train.
“Myself and the staff are really pleased with the way they work and train and behave each day, and that is important for the future.”
Meanwhile, Benitez said captain John Terry has a chance of returning from a knee problem against Queens Park Rangers tomorrow, but was still unclear about the severity of the ankle problem that forced goalkeeper Petr Cech off at half-time at Everton.