Petr Cech believes Chelsea can end Arsenal’s title hopes for the season when the sides meet at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, and he has questioned the north London outfit's ability to adapt their game to suit differing situations.
The Chelsea keeper’s comments come before a game that arrives at a crucial time for The Gunners, who are 10 points behind The Blues with less than half the season played.
The Czech Republic international maintains that a victory for his side will mean Arsene Wenger’s men's aspirations for the Premier League title will be extinguished for good this term.
“If Arsenal lose then they will be out. The gap will be 13 points and that is too much in this league. For them this is a must-win game,” said the 26-year-old in The Sun.
“And the incentive for us is the chance to eliminate one of our title rivals early in the race.”
Cech feels that his side hold the upper hand because they know how to deal with a wider range of situations than their opponents this weekend.
“The difference between us and them is that we know how to win games in a different way,” continued Cech.
“Arsenal play beautiful football at times but, when you don’t manage to move your opponents with your football, you need to fight and be physical.
“And this is what Arsenal are missing.
“Chelsea and Arsenal have so many similar characteristics. Both sides want to play with the ball and to entertain.
“But Arsenal always play like that because they don’t have the squad for people to defend.”
Cech added: “Everyone says Arsenal have played beautiful football in the last few years but they never won anything.
“For us, when it was 1-0 we shut the door, closed the game out and took the three points and that was the way we wanted to be champions.
“I think we can still do that, the core of the team is still there and we know that, when we need to shut the door, then we can.
“But this could be a very exciting game for everyone.
“Both teams want to play and, even if they come to try and defend, they can’t do it.
“It is potentially a brilliant game but, in the end, three points will make a difference to both teams’ chances in the league.”
Cech also gave his backing to William Gallas following the Frenchman’s outburst about his Arsenal team-mates last week, which cost the former Chelsea defender the captaincy at Emirates Stadium.
“I know William and if he says it then it is true. I’ve played with him and know him well,” said Cech.
“William is a great guy and he is passionate about football but I don’t agree players should talk publicly about what is discussed in the dressing room.
“William must have felt very frustrated to want to talk publicly about it. As a person he says what he feels. And that’s why people look at him differently because, when he speaks, it comes from the heart.’’
Meanwhile, Chelsea reserve team captain Liam Bridcutt has joined Watford on loan until December 30.