'Nothing but top will do for Chelsea'

By Nick Teale
 
Chelsea are the team to catch in the Premier League. They haven't lost since the start of December and scored 19 goals in five games during January.
 
When they visited Emirates Stadium in November they defeated Arsenal 3-0. If they collect all three points when the Gunners head to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, they'll extend their Premier League lead over Arsenal to nine points.
 
Ahead of the match we caught up with Yann Tear of the Fulham Chronicle to get a Chelsea perspective on the game.

THE STORY SO FAR
"Manchester United's form over the last few weeks has made it clear to Chelsea that they are going to have a fight to retain top spot; they're under no illusions about that. They still believe they can win the Premier League and I think nothing but top will do for them this season."

IMPRESSIONS OF ARSENAL
"I think most people think Arsenal's title race could be over if they lose on Sunday. I don't know if that will be Chelsea's primary motivation though. The fact that Manchester United have been starting to motor will galvanise Chelsea more than anything. For a long time they found it hard to beat Arsenal but now there has been a bit of a role reversal. Arsenal have had a few victories in recent seasons but the big wins have been Chelsea's; the FA Cup Semi-Final and of course two three-goal victories at Emirates Stadium in the last two seasons, which makes them believe they can beat Arsenal on Sunday, especially with Didier Drogba back."

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL
"They didn't miss Drogba [when he was at the Africa Cup of Nations]. The fixture list was kind but they still coped very well. They didn't rely on him and I think the team as a whole had to show a little bit more determination to not be over-reliant on him."

CAUSE FOR CONCERN
"They haven't looked certain of winning every match away from home this season, but nobody really has in the Premier League. They've dropped points in some games they would be expected to win but it is proving a little harder for teams to win away from home in general so I don't think it is necessarily a sign of problems for Chelsea."

THE ONE TO WATCH
"Arsenal's defence this year has looked better with Thomas Vermaelen but they couldn't contain Drogba at Emirates Stadium in November [when the striker scored twice]. It seems almost inevitable that he scores against Arsenal and that could be a big factor in the game on Sunday."

THE MAN IN CHARGE
"The jury will always be out with the fans until the ghosts of Jose Mourinho are laid to rest by winning the Premier League title or the Champions League. The fans like Carlo Ancelotti though they haven't quite got the same affection they had for Guus Hiddink when he was there last year. There was a very quick bond between Hiddink, the players and the fans but Ancelotti seems to be the right guy in charge, but that will change quickly if they don't pick up any silverware."

[Friday, February 05, 2010]

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