Petr Cech is hoping to be Arsenal's 'Scrooge' this Christmas - by picking up three points at the Emirates.
Blues keeper plans to cut down the gap on the leaders
Chelsea keeper Petr Cech is hoping to be Arsenal's 'Scrooge' this Christmas - by picking up three points at the Emirates this weekend.
The Czech Republic international returned to action in Chelsea's UEFA Champions League stalemate with Valencia at Stamford Bridge after a spell out with a calf injury.
Cech believes that in this notoriously chilly time of year the title race really starts to hot up.
"It is a time of year when there are so many difficult games in such a short space of time," he said.
"The first year I came to Chelsea I remember going into the Christmas period five points behind Arsenal - but then we got a good 2-2 draw at Highbury.
"By the time Christmas matches were completed, we were five points ahead of them."
Arsenal have been dealt significant blows recently - both on and off the field. Dropped points at Newcastle and Middlesbrough and injuries to key players have seen the Gunners suffer a pre-Christmas blip.
Losses
However, Cech believes his own side have been just as unfortunate - and have coped admirably.
"We have also had to cope without big players," said Cech.
"John Terry, Ashley Cole and Frank Lampard have all been missing for small spells. Now Drogba is out but we are still winning points.
"Arsenal have shown they are a good side, but I think we are catching them up. We are only three points behind now and unbeaten in 16 games".
Star midfielder Frank Lampard echoed the importance of Sunday's fixture - and senses that now is a good time to travel to the Emirates.
"It's a massive game for us on Sunday," he said.
"Arsenal have been fantastic this season, but obviously they've slipped up a bit in the last couple of days.
"Although that happens to everyone - it's a great opportunity for us to go there and close the gap on them a little bit more."
