Guus Hiddink is hoping the Manchester United fold under the tension and that other Premier League clubs believe that they can beat them.
That's the message the Dutchman is sending out to them as a Michael Essien inspired performance saw Hiddink's side gain three valuable points over a lacklustre Manchester City side to leapfrog over Liverpool and to within four points of Manchester United.
"If it was just four points, it would be close," said Hiddink.
"But Manchester United have a game in hand also.
"But after Liverpool's win yesterday, the tension is back in the Premier League.
"Every now and then, you get an unexpected result , but United are an experienced side and big teams always react.
"You cannot compare how we lost our home record to Liverpool to how United will react, but the door is now open for us.
"In the Premier League all teams can beat each other, so let them try."
Hiddink confirmed that Deco may not play again this season.
"Deco has a recouuance of a hamstring injury," said the temporary boss.
"He needs to be very, very fit to be in the side, so he could be out for the rest of the season."
Chelsea also lost Didier Drogba on 70 minutes but Hiddink is more confident about his striker.
Wit's not a big problem with Drogba. He likes to play and train. He injured his knee in a collision, but I'm hopeful."
Hiddink was happy about the return to the side of Michael Essien.: "It's important Michael is back - for the team and for the crowd.
"Him being in the team gives it confidence. He is very strong, plus tactically it allows me to play differently. We need this as we have three titles to play for in a short period of time.
Hiddink won't be drawn into the mind games that seem to beset the managers at the top.: It is not a battle of the manager, " said Hiddink.
"It's all about the players.
I am a schoolboy in comparison to sir Alex and Benitez. But we can improve. Today we were not under threat from City as we were so solid in defence. But I wanted a second goal - we need to finish games off.
As for ex-Blue mark Hughes, he was disappointed but not surprised by the result.
"We looked leggy, said Hughes.
"We did not have the spark of recent weeks.
"We switched off briefly for the goal. But Chelsea were comfortable to hold onto the lead.
"IT was not a high-tempo match, which did not suit our game."
Hughes touched on the performance of Robinho: "It was difficult to get Robinho into the game," admitted Hughes.
"But give credit to the opposition, they recognise him as a danger man.
2So we had to change things and that's why I b=rought him off.
2Robbie is under pressure every game, but both sides looked tired out their in the sunshine.
"You cannot expect one player [Robinho] to carry the team - it was just one of those games. I'm happy with his general performances, he has scored 11 goals already and has many assists.
"