On the self-belief his team will gain from the win…
It was a double impact. Mathematically, it keeps us in touch with the leaders of the league. And psychologically, it was important. We were questioned about our capability of winning big games. I’m happy with the desire in the team. We kept good discipline in the team for 90 minutes and put in a real team performance. It can be a very pivotal moment, but we have to respond away at Wigan on Wednesday night in a game where we want to turn up and take points. We know to beat the big teams at home will have an important impact on this league.
On what his side did differently to the past…
For example, two years ago with the same players we were maybe battered by Chelsea. Last year we felt we were getting closer. This year, at United and Chelsea, we were more frustrated because we were more in the game and there was no real difference. Maybe we played a bit with the handbrake. It was a slow learning process that we got out of our system tonight. Overall, some players – Fabregas said we were maybe scared to win. There were strong words, but maybe there was something in it. We didn’t see that tonight. It was a locked game at the start, but the first goal gave a huge advantage.
On his plans for the January transfer window…
To be honest you always have to look outside, but we have everybody back now and I have a big squad. We have Vermaelen and Gibbs to come back. To find better players on the market than those I have, especially in winter, will be very difficult.
On Chelsea’s vulnerability…
It is always difficult when you concede just before half-time when the game is so tight and especially in a big game. Then we got two big goals. They’re a team that haven’t won recently and the drop of confidence must have been felt. They must have felt they had a team with huge desire up against them. You never know with them – they have so many experienced players – so we didn’t expect any weakness of them before the game. We took our chances well and, at 1-0, we took advantage of catching them on the break. At 3-0 you have to gamble. I still count Chelsea as one of the big contenders of the League. I do not think they’re out of it – not at all – after their defeat tonight.
On the physical strength shown by his side…
We were good in the challenges tonight. We’ve improved on that front. We have more dimension in our team in all the duels.
On his team ‘becoming men’…
We are not bullied any more. That is for sure. It’s always very difficult to say because every game is different, but I feel we have matured over the last two years. But this League is very difficult to predict. Every game is difficult for everybody. We have to show we’ve got that out of our system and show we can be consistent.
On the title race…
No, I don’t think we’re very far. We’re in December and in touch with Manchester United. We have to be at our best and continue to improve. I hope the victory tonight will convince the team that we are moving in the right direction and we continue to improve.
On questions over Carlo Ancelotti’s future at Chelsea…
I personally rate Ancelotti very highly and I cannot believe that.
Source: Arsenal.com on 27 Dec 10
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