Clichy expected Blues challenge

Clichy confident Arsenal can still triumph

By Lewis Rutledge   Last updated: 20th March 2008

Arsenal full-back Gael Clichy has insisted that Chelsea were not overlooked in the race for the Premier League title.

The Blues have battled back into contention for top spot after a slow start to the season, and after Wednesday's dramatic 4-4 draw with Tottenham they are just two points adrift of Arsenal and five behind leaders Manchester United.

Clichy always thought that Chelsea would challenge United and Arsenal, but he does not believe Avram Grant's side have had the same kind of pressure to deal with this season.

"I don't think they have been overlooked. We always knew that Chelsea were going to be there at the end with such a great team and all the great players they have in the squad," the Frenchman told Arsenal's official website.

"They are a great club with great players. They won two championships and the only thing they are missing is the Champions League. Of course I won't wish them good luck for this year because we are still in it.

Quality

"Chelsea have been behind in the Premier League and that's not easier because you always have to win your games to catch up. But when you are in third people don't look at you like they look at the first team."

The Gunners travel to Stamford Bridge on Sunday and Clichy is desperate to return to winning ways after a run of four successive draws.

Clichy is confident that Arsenal have the quality to win the league, but accepts that the race is likely to go down to the wire.

He said: "We've had the experience of being on top and the pressure has been on. It's good to be top, it shows the quality is there, but it's not bad to be second or third.

"It will be an interesting end to the season and we hope we can come out in first place."