John Obi Mikel believes that Chelsea are just as entertaining to watch as their rivals Arsenal.
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John Obi Mikel believes that Chelsea are just as entertaining to watch as their rivals Arsenal.
Arsene Wenger's side are widely regarded as the best footballing side in the country, and after losing just once in the league so far this season, they currently top the Premier League.
After suffering a tricky start to this campaign, and the departure of Jose Mourinho from the Stamford Bridge hot-seat, Chelsea are now themselves on a nine-match unbeaten run and have climbed to third in the table, just three points behind the Gunners.
Preparing for Sunday's Grand Slam Sunday clash at the Emirates, Mikel believes that Chelsea deserve to be shown more credit for their style of play.
Tradition
"In the past, five or six years ago, Chelsea were not involved at the top of the table. They didn't play football like that and I think that it is going to take a while to convince people that this is actually what we do, we play good football," the midfielder told
the Independent.
"It's been Arsenal's tradition since Arsene Wenger has been there, that they play good football.
"Their system hasn't changed which is why people give them credit. But I think we play really well, not just us but Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.
"We can play and we have that fighting spirit, We can stick in there and make sure we don't lose, which we have to do at the Emirates."
Difficult
With Michael Essien suspended for Sunday's encounter, Mikel will be under added pressure to stamp his authority in the midfield battle with Cesc Fabregas.
The challenge should hold no fears for the Nigerian, who has adapted well to life in England after a difficult first season, and believes that ex-manager Mourinho is the main reason for his development.
"My first proper professional club was Chelsea and it was difficult for me to adapt from my youth team in Nigeria to come here," he said.
"I knew it was going to be difficult with names like Lampard, Ballack and Shevchenko in the squad. But when you get to know these people you see they are nice guys and good people."
Mourinho
Mikel added: "I will always appreciate what Mourinho did for me. I had my problems and he stood by me.
"Now everything has happened and he has gone but he is still in my mind. We just have to keep going and the new manager has done fantastically well."
Africa
The midfielder has been named in Berti Vogts Nigeria squad for the Afreican Cup of Nations, and with Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and Salomon Kalou to be missing in January as well, Chelsea's squad will stretched to his limits in the New Year.
However, Mikel is adamant that those players who are called upon will be more than adequate replacements, and that the team will be fine.
"Of course it is going to be a test but I still think we will do it," he said.
"We have fantastic players, there is always someone to cover your position. That is how it is at Chelsea.
"But even without some of us here, we will be fine."
