Cesc Fabregas admits Chelsea cannot afford another defeat if they're to hang onto their Premier League crown.

Chelsea face Southampton at Stamford Bridge sitting 14th in the Premier League — eight points behind leaders Manchester United after seven games.

Fabregas said: “We haven't been up to the standards we were last season, we've not played at our best for whatever reason. We can't drop any more points.

“It's a very competitive league and we are sure Manchester City will lose points as well as everyone else but we can't afford to lose more points.

“We haven't started well but that doesn't mean that this team which won two trophies last season is not good. It's not a case of one day you're fantastic and the next you're useless, even if some fans see it this way.

“It is harder to defend a title than winning it for the first time because when all the other teams don't win, they strengthen their squad, they become better, they make expensive signings and add very good players."