That's why they are only 2 points out of first at Christmas - their best position in 4 years. They were eliminated as contenders by this time the last 3 years ; last year 11 points behind at this point. They have draws on the road against 3 top contenders with home fixtures agai st them all in the 2nd half of the season. This is why Mourinho has never fi usher worse than 2nd place ever.