Ballack - Gunners clash vital

Chelsea midfielder targets victory over Arsenal

Last updated: 28th November 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Ballack - Gunners clash vital

Ballack: Arsenal showdown

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Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack knows Sunday's epic showdown with Arsenal is a vital meeting in the title race.

The Blues currently top the Premier League by five points and have already defeated both Manchester United and Liverpool at Stamford Bridge this season.

Victory at Emirates Stadium against the Gunners would see Carlo Ancelotti's side open up an 11-point gap over the North London club, who do have the benefit of a game in hand.

And while Ballack has previously tried to play down the importance of such fixtures prior to kick-off, he is now prepared to admit that Sunday could be a turning point for both sides.

Ballack said: "In the past I had the opinion that you could lose a big game to a big team and it doesn't decide the title.

"But winning gives you a massive confidence for the next weeks.

"If you beat Man United or Liverpool, you know the team worked well, you are in good shape, you beat the best teams in the league.

"It gives a sign to the other clubs but also to yourself. It is a big point in the season."

Shining

Germany captain Ballack arrived at Chelsea on a free transfer in the summer of 2006 having been the star man for his previous teams Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.

He has had to adjust to being just another player in the star-studded Stamford Bridge dressing room, but insists that success for the team is more important than individual accolades.

He added: "I knew there were a few players next to me who are of the same level. That's why I have no problem to step a little bit back. It doesn't matter who's scoring the most goals or who is playing the best.

"I can still play better but I have improved, that's right. I am a team player. Of course everybody wants to play at his best but not everybody can be in a position where he is shining. That's the secret when you have so many good players."

The 33-year-old midfielder's current contract is due to expire at the end of the season yet he claims to be in no hurry to agree an extension.

He said: "I am relaxed. I will see how we come together, or not. That is the situation, there is no pressure from both sides. So we will see.

"I want to play as long as possible at the highest standard."