Ancelotti: Arsenal still title threat

BOTH Carlo Ancelotti and Arsene Wenger have refused to rule Arsenal out of the title race, even though they are now nine points behind leaders Chelsea in the Premier League.

Arsenal are so far adrift of their London rivals that their initial concern must be to stay ahead of fourth-placed Liverpool who are coming up fast on the rails following an unbeaten run of nine games. But Chelsea manager Ancelotti is not yet ready to declare it a two-horse race.

He said: “I think for Arsenal it’s difficult to return to the top of the table but they still have a possibility because they are a good team. It depends on the performances now of Manchester United and Chelsea. I’m not sure it will be a race with only two horses.”

Wenger, in fairness, was less bullish about his team’s chances but has not thrown in the towel despite losing to Manchester United and Chelsea in the space of a week and preparing to face Liverpool next.

He said: “I feel we are not in the best of positions but we will not give up. We are a bit unfortunate to play Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool on the trot. If you lose one game it’s very difficult, It has psychological implications for the next game.”

Meanwhile Ancelotti has insisted he isn’t disappointed by Fabio Capello’s decision to strip John Terry of the England captaincy..

Terry produced another solid display against Arsenal yesterday just 48 hours after learning he will no longer lead his country at the World Cup this summer following a string of allegations about his private life.

Ancelotti said: “My captain has a fantastic attitude. He’s doing very well every game. It’s very important to have this leadership, he is always in control of the game. Really, he has a strong mentality. I wasn’t disappointed he lost the captaincy. It’s not my decision and I don’t want to judge it. I knew he was going to see Capello but I didn’t speak with him after that. All I know is he’s working for his club and we are happy to have this performance from him.”

Even Wenger admitted to being impressed by Terry’s performance as Chelsea kept a clean sheet despite conceding a large proportion of the possession to the London rivals.

Wenger said: “Chelsea have fantastic defenders and many times they were out of position and managed to get back. I believe John Terry wants to win when he plays football and he is strong enough to make the difference between what is happening on the pitch and off it.

“Sometimes for people to play football can be a diversion from what’s happening off the field.”