No-one can doubt the size of the task that awaits Chelsea. Chelsea’s Christmas performances have disappointed to say the least and as such, The Blues now sit five points behind leaders Arsenal. Arsenal – that team we never seem to defeat. When was the last time we beat them at Highbury in the league? I’m struggling!
If we are to even consider ourselves as title contenders then this Chelsea must stand up and face a task that has never been easy. Tomorrow afternoon may answer many questions of this Chelsea side. This game may prove to our benchmark.
Following those poor performances over the Christmas period, Chelsea have watched the gap lengthen between themselves and the Champions in front of them, but Claudio has urged his players not to think too much about the gap.
He told the Evening Standard: "Our battle is not against Arsenal, but against ourselves. Everyone likes to put Arsenal and Chelsea together, but we're only concerned with our own performance.
"The points difference now is not important. Chelsea is Chelsea and we shouldn't be thinking about Arsenal, Manchester United or Liverpool.
"Last season, we got 64 points and we have to get more points this season. So the challenge is against ourselves. It's better to keep close to Arsenal, but the difference does not matter at the moment."
Ranieri is naturally disappointed to have collected just one point from their past two Christmas games but he sees no reason why their trip to Arsenal cannot be the start of another good run.
He added: "Now it's important to clean up and show a good reaction. That is my philosophy after two months without losing. I hope we can now put another run together, starting against Arsenal."
My advice? Let’s all start praying now!