ARSENE WENGER says Arsenal's meeting with Chelsea on Sunday retains the allure of previous seasons despite the travails of their London rivals in the current campaign.
The reigning Barclays Premier League champions travel across the English capital to the Emirates Stadium a massive 19 points behind Wenger's side, who sit top of the table on goal difference.
A 2-0 victory over Arsenal in September is one of just six league wins all season for last years' title winners, with Guus Hiddink now at the helm following Jose Mourinho's sacking.
Wenger's side have already proven they now have the steel to beat their main rivals – with victories over Manchester United, Manchester City and Leicester City already secured.
The Frenchman believes the visit of Chelsea is another chance for his players to show Arsenal can win their first title in 12 years.
"It's another game where people look at us and see how we behave," he said. "Even if Chelsea are not in the best position, look at their squad. It's a big game because of the quality of the players on the pitch. It has a big importance to us as well. We play at the Emirates and know how important it will be to win this game."
Olivier Giroud also feels the need to beat Chelsea as the France striker knows there are a number of clubs who are still involved in the title picture.
Arsenal have drawn their last two games, conceding a late leveller in a 3-3 draw at Liverpool before being held to a 0-0 at Stoke City, but remain top as other title contenders also struggle for consistency.
"We needed to bounce back after the Southampton defeat [on Boxing Day] and now we are on a really good run," he said. "It's a bit of a shame that we conceded a draw at the end of the Liverpool game, but it was a fantastic game for the spectators and it was one of the best games I've played in for Arsenal.
"The race is very tight because Leicester City and Manchester City will be fighting as well. We have a bit of an advantage over Manchester United and Tottenham at the moment but they could come back if you lose two games, you never know.
"It's not original but it's true that you always have to question yourself. I used to say that football is an everlasting new beginning and that's like life, too. Every week you have to push yourself out of your comfort zone to give your maximum so that you can win every possible game."
Meanwhile, Branislav Ivanovic has signed a one-year contract extension with Chelsea, the Premier League club have confirmed.
The 31-year-old Serbia defender was entering the final months of his existing deal, but will now stay on until the summer of 2017. The new 12-month contract is in line with Chelsea's policy of offering only one-year deals to players aged 30 and over.
The club also confirmed yesterday that a steward was sacked for calling the former Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas a "snake".
Video of the Stamford Bridge incident, which took place earlier this season, emerged online yesterday and Chelsea confirmed action had been taken against the steward.
"You're a snake, you're Arsenal," the steward says to the Spain midfielder in the video, which has been widely shared on social network sites.
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