Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech has stressed that his former club Chelsea are still favourites to win the Premier League title this season, despite their early-season troubles.

The champions already find themselves in 16th place, 10 points behind top-of-the-table Manchester City after winning just two of their first eight league outings, losing four of them.

Nevertheless, Cech, who ended his 11-year spell with the Blues in July, is convinced that his former teammates and manager Jose Mourinho cannot be ruled out of retaining their title.

"Their form surprises me because Chelsea are among the best in the Premier League," he told iDNES.

"I am no longer there, so it is hard for me to evaluate what is going on. Anyway, the season is long and Chelsea are still favourites in my eyes."

The Gunners, who lost 2-0 at Stamford Bridge last month, are eight points clear of Mourinho and co in second spot.