Arsenal ready to turn run around

Arsene Wenger is determined to see his Arsenal side end their dreadful record against the big clubs by beating Chelsea on Monday.

Arsenal have lost 10 of the last 11 games against Manchester United and Chelsea and are still recovering from their recent defeat at Old Trafford which knocked them off top spot in the Premier League.

Despite their poor record against the big teams, Wenger’s young side are only two points behind United and have a genuine chance of winning major silverware this season.

Wenger has no doubts that Arsenal can compete with the big clubs and hopes they will finally put things right against their London rivals at the Emirates.

“The statistics are history and every game is a new start,” Wenger said.

“Every guy before he wins, he has lost. One day, he wins. We have to make sure for us that day is on Monday.”

“We are in a strong position now in December and we know our home form against the big teams will be the decider for the championship.”

“We need to add that fraction of belief and transform the frustration we had in both games into commitment and determination.”

Defender Thomas Vermaelen is expected to be back in action for Arsenal in January following a long-term Achilles problem.

Vermaelen has been sidelined since August and there were fears he had suffered a fresh setback and would not be back until February.

But Wenger is optimistic the Belgium international will finally make a return to first-team action in the New Year.

“He has been out for a long, long time and we are hopeful he will come back in January,” Wenger said.

“He’s had a few setbacks and the decider is now because he is practising again. If he has another setback I don’t know what the medical staff will do. Overall they look quite optimistic he will be back in January.”