Drogba – Victory over Arsenal will warn other rivals

Didier Drogba believes Chelsea can shatter Arsenal’s title hopes today – and send out a message to their other rivals that the Blues are the true champions-elect.

The Ivory Coast striker is desperate for the West Londoners to leave the other Big Four teams trailing in their wake before he goes off to the African Nations Cup.

‘It would be a big statement to win this game but it is going to be a difficult game because Arsenal are playing very well at the moment. They look strong and they don’t concede many. The game they played against Spurs they managed to win 3-0 even though they didn’t play very well and that is the improvement.”

“Arsenal has the kind of spirit like us as well and I think it is going to be a good game to watch.”

Carlo Ancelotti’s high-fliers will establish an 11-point edge over the Gunners if they beat them in the Emirates showdown today.

“We need to maintain the gap. If we win, it is difficult for them to come back but it is not impossible.’

The Stamford Bridge outfit, who beat Arsenal at the Emirates 4-1 last season, have won their last four league games, keeping clean sheets in all of them, and scoring 14 goals.