Clarke warns Chelsea to seize chance

CHELSEA’S assistant manager Steve Clarke has warned the players to keep up the pressure on wobbling Arsenal by going top of the Premiership today.

With the topic of sacked striker Adrian Mutu's seven-month suspension for drug-taking off limits as far as the managerial side of the club were concerned, it was left to Clarke to put the spotlight on the race for the title instead.

Chelsea, currently level on points with their London rivals, have the chance to get their noses in front by a clear margin for a few hours.

Victory over the season's surprise package Everton at Stamford Bridge would leave Chelsea clear at the summit until the outcome of Arsenal's early evening kick-off at Crystal Palace is known.

Clarke said: "We didn't think Arsenal were unstoppable. We were disappointed when we allowed the gap to get to five points but we closed it very quickly and if we win we will go top of the league and we just put a little bit more pressure on them to go and win at Palace so it is important for us to get three points.

"We responded very well to a setback at Manchester City and have won four on the bounce since then. It's been a good reaction.

"Arsenal started great but they were always going to have a sticky spell. They lost to Manchester United and they haven't quite played as they can since then but I'm sure they will come back on form." While Arsenal are going through a tricky spell, Clarke is not arrogant enough to think Chelsea will not face a similar problem at some period in the season, even if he does believe Chelsea now have the best squad in the top flight.

"I think we've got the strongest squad in the Premiership and we are developing as a team but that's not to say we won't have a spell during the season when we struggle every team does. It's how you come out of that and how many points you can win during that bad spell that matters.

"We are not invincible, teams can beat us. We have to work very hard to make sure they don't but if the best is still to come it is going to be one hell of an end to the season.

"So far we've done very well. The players have picked up very quickly on the manager's philosophy (and) I think the results are there for all to see.

"It's not about what Arsenal do, it's what we do."

Jose Mourinho has already stated he would settle for one trophy this season but skipper John Terry claims they can win the lot. Clarke, on the other hand, agrees with his manager.

"That just tells you bit about the belief the players have. I think it would be more dangerous if he had said we were not going to win any," added Clarke.

"I think four trophies would be a lot to ask. Personally, I would love to win the Premier League because it would be great for the supporters."

The Stamford Bridge clash is the featured game on Today FM's Premiership Live this afternoon from 2pm to 5pm, with Michael McMullen.