RAFA BENITEZ today declared that Chelsea are still capable of winning this season's Barclays Premier League despite seeing them sleepwalk to another bore draw and slip seven points adrift of top spot.
Benitez's first two matches in charge of the European champions have now ended without a goal as they made it six league games without a victory against Fulham last night.
A team that looked champions-elect under Roberto Di Matteo little over a month ago now appear incapable of scoring, never mind winning, and their title challenge is floundering by the game.
But Benitez insisted Chelsea have the quality to overhaul Manchester United and Manchester City, who both won again last night.
"Why can't we?" Benitez said defiantly.
"It's still a long way to go. We have to keep going. We will have chances.
"Remember last season when City were ahead and it was 'easy'.
"Then they needed to win their last game. It's a long, long competition."
Interim manager Benitez acknowledged Chelsea were lacking confidence after a run of two wins in 10 that threatens to wreck their season.
He added: "The main thing is to win games. If we do, we'll be there and we can win competitions.
"We need to start doing that and the confidence will come back."
No-one exemplifies Chelsea's plight more than Fernando Torres who, barring a fluke goal, has not found the net for almost two months.
"It wasn't easy for him, or (Eden) Hazard or Oscar," said Benitez.
"We were on top of them (Fulham), regaining the game higher up the pitch, and might have won it in the last minute."
For all their pressure, Chelsea barely tested the opposition goalkeeper as they recorded two straight goalless draws for the first time since Roman Abramovich bought the club.
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