Chelsea's Deco doubts Arsenal's title challenge: 'Record against big sides is key'

Midfielder reckons big game defeats undermine Arsenal's challenge...

6 Feb 2010 12:16:00

By Alan Dawson

More On :  Chelsea FC
EPL: Deco - Anderson, Chelsea - Manchester United (Getty Images)
Chelsea playmaker Deco believes his side have the upper hand over Arsenal in the Premier League title race as the Gunners have succumbed to losses against the division's other big clubs, and it is the mini-table between the top-four - Deco claims - that has a key say in which ground the crown ends up being paraded.

Deco told The Sun: "Arsenal have a good squad but this season have failed in the big matches against United and us.

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"That is the key when it comes to fighting for the title and perhaps the pressure and the anxiety of it all is damaging Arsenal's performance at decisive moments.

"Sunday's match is so important," the Portuguese said. "It is certain that defeat for Arsenal will eliminate them as a rival for the title.

"If Arsenal are nine points behind us it's not just a matter of that distance but the question of morale."

Chelsea have already beaten Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, and Arsene Wenger's side have also tasted defeat against Manchester City and Manchester United.

"If we beat them again they will have to think about two defeats against us and that will be a very negative situation for them," the former Barcelona player added. "So this match is like a final for them and this extra pressure is a positive for us."

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