Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has listed rivals Manchester United as title-challengers this year despite a fourth consecutive home draw for the Red Devils - something that they have not managed to do for 36 years.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic cancelled out Diafra Sakho's early openeras Paul Pogba grabbed his first Premier League assist since his record-breaking summer transfer.
Despite 17 shots in the game, United were unable to take the lead - a sight that is becoming all too familiar for Jose's side who have a chance conversion rate at home of just 3.3% since October 1st.
Regardless of current form, Guardiola maintains that United are contenders, tellingSky Sports:"To be honest [the title race] is Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, Tottenham, Manchester United," he said. "The league this year is unpredictable and it's going to be decided in the last two or three months.
"We'll have played eight more games - terrible games - in the Champions League than Chelsea and Liverpool and we are there. That's why the first part of the season is so satisfying.
"Playing seven, eight more games in the Champions League, after going to Stoke and West Brom, and to still be with Liverpool and Chelsea, when they don't play in Europe, is good for us.
"This Chelsea side play one time a week. It is easier to prepare well, to recover well, to take full advantage of recovery. This week we played Wednesday and, after that, straight away on Saturday."
Despite going a goal downto a Dean Marney volley, Manchester City were able to pick up all three points thanks to a Sergio Aguero, who shook off a recent injury scare to bag a brace.
Kevin de Bruyne receiving a place on the bench was another shock call as Yaya Toure and Nolito continued to keep out David Silva and the Belgian.
Guardiola went on to say:"Sometimes it is tough to be focused again, it is tough on us in these kind of games. You have to be mentally and physically prepared to compete.
"I'm not a guy who complains so much, believe me," he said. "It's happened. What can I do? Call the federation? No. They are going to change? No."
"Okay, they put 12.30 so we have to be here and play at 12.30, and if you lose congratulations Burnley and keep going."