Chelsea move top as fans return

Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United enjoyed comfortable wins in the Premier League on Saturday as fans returned to stadiums after an eight-month absence.

Chelsea beat Leeds United 3-1 in front of 2,000 spectators at Stamford Bridge while Manchester United fought back from a goal down to win 3-1 at West Ham United -- their fifth straight comeback victory on the road -- in front of the same size crowd.

Clubs in less restricted areas of England were allowed to welcome back 2,000 fans but in higher risk places games carried on behind closed doors with Manchester City beating Fulham 2-0 and Everton held to a 1-1 draw at Burnley.

Chelsea finished the day at the top of the league table for the first time since September 2018, although Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool can overhaul Lampard's side again later on Sunday.

Chelsea manager Frank Lampard said there is nothing wrong with supporters dreaming they can win the Premier League title but stressed his players cannot afford to get complacent.

Asked if Chelsea fans are right to consider them title contenders, Lampard told reporters: "There's certainly nothing wrong with the fans thinking that. It's great to have them back, their input was huge, the noise huge. You can see how excited they are at the end that we are top of the league," he said.

"My job and our job is to know that it's a long season and the next question is how consistent can we be with this form, how much we can improve, because I believe there is a lot more we can do and there will be a lot of challenges ahead."

Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp has however claimed Chelsea are favourites to lift the title this season because of the strength and depth of the squad that coach Frank Lampard has at his disposal.

"If I watch football games at the moment then Chelsea, for me, look like favourites," Klopp told reporters.

"They have the biggest squad, great players playing well together after a rusty start - and they are full on. They have unbelievable opportunities to change in games and make changes from one game to the other - so that is it."

While Liverpool were six points clear at the top this stage last season, this term they have had to cope with a congested fixture list and several injury setbacks.

Klopp said this season's title race would be more open than in previous campaigns but stressed Liverpool must remain focused only on their own performances.

"I don't feel we are chasing anyone at the moment - or that anyone is chasing us," the German coach said. "Pressure is there for us, but it's about how much you think about that pressure, to be honest."