Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel believes Manchester City, alongside Liverpool, have set the benchmark for the "quality and consistency" required to launch a Premier League title charge in recent years.
The German made the admission after watching his side claim a narrow, hard-fought 1-0 win over Brentford on Saturday evening.
Chelsea secured all three points thanks to an excellent first half strike from left-back Ben Chilwell, but were fortunate to make the short trip back to Stamford Bridge with maximum points in the bag, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy producing a string of fine saves to keep Thomas Frank's side at bay.
The victory took the Blues back to the top of the Premier League by a point, marginally ahead of Liverpool, and two ahead of City, who also recorded a victory at the weekend, beating Burnley 2-0.
Having seen Chelsea battle through to secure a vital three points, Tuchel has referred to Liverpool's and City's recent title successes for what is required to get the job done.
Tuchel, as quoted by Football.London, said: "In general, Liverpool and Manchester City have proved throughout the last years that they are the benchmark in terms of quality and consistency.
"They have showed us the last years what it takes to be able to become champions. It was a race between the two teams and this is the benchmark and we have to improve in every aspect of the game - that includes defence and offence - because the game is a complex one.
"We will not stop trying to create more for our strikers."
City, of course, beat Chelsea a little more than three weeks ago and remain the only side to have beaten them in the Premier League so far this season.
Pep Guardiola's side, despite not landing a new striker in the summer transfer window, are firmly in the title shake-up this season, having won five of their opening eight matches, as well as having taken four points off both Chelsea and Liverpool away from home.
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