Highbury win will put us on our way, says Crespo

Chelsea 1 Wigan 0

Crespo, who recovered from a rib injury to lead the Chelsea attack in their 1-0 win over Wigan on Saturday, reckons the destiny of the title is in their own hands as they seek to retain their crown.

Chelsea went 12 points clear at the top after their victory over Wigan and coach Jose Mourinho pinpointed December and January as the decisive months last season.

Now Crespo maintains Chelsea could take a giant leap towards their second title success in as many years if they can beat their London rivals.

“Our run to the title is in our hands,” declared Crespo. “When you are playing against another big team like Arsenal, there are three equal possibilities for the result. I think if we make another great result there, maybe we put one hand on the trophy. We will go to Arsenal with the force to take another three points.”

Mourinho is adamant that Christmas is a vital period for the club and expects his players to provide the same commitment and team spirit which saw them go unbeaten over the festive period last season.

“December and January was the time when we made the difference,” said Mourinho. “I think our Christmas starts here. Foreign players and coaches coming to England have to adapt to football over Christmas. I have to say that last year it was fantastic. It was fantastic on two levels. First there was the Christmas and New Year atmosphere and secondly the results. “We must go on at a level that is worthy of champions. We must spend Christmas with this organisation, commitment, mentality and condition. We can be as excited about our future this Christmas as we were last year, but we can only stay that way providing we stay focused and hungry for winning.”

Chelsea captain John Terry proved he still has the hunger for success with his second successive Premiership matchwinner. The England defender produced a repeat performance from Frank Lampard’s corner to head a 67th-minute winner against stubborn Wigan.

It came just seven days after another bullet header had given Chelsea all three points against Middlesbrough.

However, the match was overshadowed by a row over unsporting behaviour with Mourinho accusing Wigan striker Lee McCulloch of cheating when feigning injury.

Mourinho was responding to Wigan manager Paul Jewell’s accusation that Chelsea had acted in an unsporting manner by not returning possession to them following McCulloch’s clash with Joe Cole.

The managers clashed on the touchline immediately after the second-half flashpoint and then continued their disagreement after the game.“First of all it is my responsibility because I told Gallas not to give the ball back because we are not stupid,” said Mourinho. “We know what fair play is and when a player is injured we give the ball back. When a player is cheating, we are not stupid. So, because the player was cheating and seconds later stood up and was running again, I told William Gallas not to give them the ball back. It is my responsibility and I will do it again. So if someone is guilty of unsporting behaviour - it is them.”

Meanwhile, Dutch winger Arjen Robben has reiterated his desire to stay at Chelsea and slammed suggestions he is unhappy at Stamford Bridge.

Robben continued his return from a hamstring problem against Wigan before being replaced in the second half and is furious with talk of him leaving the club. “My desire is to be here at Chelsea. I want to be here, I want stay here, I don’t want to leave.

“I’m at the best club in Europe. I’m happy, I’m enjoying it over here, I’m in a great team. I just want to win prizes. Not even one per cent in my head doesn’t want to be here. Last year I was very pleased with the number of goals I scored and how many assists I had. Now I’ve got to get that into this season. I’ve had a false start, I need to get it going again.”

Opta Fact: 74% of Chelsea’s goals in the Premiership this season have come in the second half, a higher percentage than any other team.

Opta Fact: Wigan have lost five and won one of their six Premiership games against London sides.