Are Arsene Wenger’s comments on Chelsea defeatist or realistic?

Has Arsene Wenger conceded the Premier League title already?

With 18 games played we are less than halfway through the season, with Chelsea currently top of the pile on 46 points after their incredible 11-match winning streak. That puts them six points ahead of nearest challengers Liverpool in second place, with Manchester City a point behind the Reds and Arsenal a further two points behind them. But on Friday, Gunners boss Wenger said the title was "Chelsea's to lose" after their brilliant run of form under new boss Antonio Conte. [caption id="attachment_103236" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Antonio Conte has led Chelsea to the Premier League summit - but can they stay there? (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)[/caption] Speaking to reporters ahead of their clash with Crystal Palace on New Year's Day, he said:

"At the moment Chelsea are the super-favourites because they are quite big and made a big difference. "But it is theirs to lose as we say here in England. They can still lose it, at the moment they have won it but they can still lose it. It's still a long way to go and very difficult for everybody so the head-to-head (matches) will have a vital importance. "They have addressed their problems well. You have to give credit to Conte to find a solution that has balanced well his team. They bought David Luiz who stabilised their defensive record and I think overall they are the team that has been the most consistent until now."

"Theirs to lose." "Super favourites." Not massively inspiring words for Arsenal fans hoping Wenger will lead a charge towards that long-awaited league title in the second half of the season - or is he simply being realistic?