Blues title rivals can’t afford slip-ups, warns confident Cech
Chelsea moved four points clear of United at the summit thanks to a 1-0 victory over Bolton.
Nicolas Anelka’s first-half strike, his first in 14 games, settled the outcome and kept Chelsea on course for an historic league and FA Cup double.
“It can be a decisive week. It can change the position in the Premier League a lot if we manage to win our game and the others lose theirs. It could also go the other way and change everything for the last three games.
“But beating Bolton was a massive step forward. We can play good football and score goals but when a game isn’t going our way and we have to fight and dig deep, we can do that. We showed it against Bolton.
“I have been at Chelsea for six years and just kept my first clean sheet at home against Bolton so now it’s time for our record at White Hart Lane to change too.”
Meanwhile captain John Terry admitted Chelsea were affected by jitters against Wanderers.
Bolton had chances to snatch a draw and boss Owen Coyle was furious referee Lee Probert rejected two penalty appeals.
“We were probably a bit slow in the tempo of our play and were taking too many touches,” admitted Terry. “We were not at our best but fair play to Bolton, they came to win the game. They were pressing and staying man-to-man which made it difficult for us.
“Nerves with us not winning the league for three years took their toll late on but we managed to hold on.
“We are getting closer week by week but it is just important that we keep winning. We are just concentrating on ourselves and we have a little cushion now.”
Meanwhile Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery plans to make a decision on his future in the next 10 days – and says Chelsea are one of his suitors.
The 27-year-old’s Bayern deal expires in 2011 but, if he does not commit himself to the Bundesliga outfit, there is little chance of them holding on to him for the final year of his contract and then allowing him to walk away for free.
“Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea are still interested in me.”
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