Source: Telegraph
Arsenal are easy to beat, says Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack
Carlo Ancelotti's men returned to the top of the Premier League table after a first-half double from Didier Drogba saw off the challenge of Arsenal at Stamford Bridge. [LNB]The Gunners had plenty of possession, but crucially could not turn that into goals. [LNB] Related ArticlesJohn Terry thanks Chelsea fans for supportAshley Cole's ego disguises world-class talentThen there were two...Ancelotti hails 'perfect captain' John TerryWhat's French for 'd?agrave; vu'?Drogba: John Terry has our backingAfterwards, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger congratulated Chelsea on their efficiency, while also taking a sly dig by claiming "we didn't get a demonstration of football". [LNB]However, Germany captain Ballack maintains such determination to get the final result is what counts in the end. [LNB]"We wanted to do our job," the 33-year-old said. [LNB]"We knew the way Arsenal play. It is always the same style. If you play tactics like we did, you can beat them. [LNB]"This season and the season before they showed they weren't able to win the league. [LNB]"He [Wenger] always says things like this when he loses to find an excuse - but football is not possession of the ball and playing a nice pass, football is about winning games and that is what Manchester United showed when they played them and what we did. [LNB]"We deserved the win because we were very effective and that was our strategy." [LNB]Ballack declared: "Football is a mixture of winning games and good football physically, but also technically. [LNB]"We have a good mix in the team as we have shown this season and you can't do more. We are in first position and that counts." [LNB]Chelsea's advantage at the top is only two points ahead of United, who thrashed bottom club Portsmouth 5-0 at Old Trafford on Saturday. [LNB]Arsenal are now some nine points adrift, having lost successive matches against the top two following an impressive 10-match unbeaten run which briefly returned them to the summit. [LNB]Ballack said: "If you look now, it seems like a race between Manchester United and us - but four weeks ago, you could see how it was [different] and it can go quick when teams lose points." [LNB]Drogba once again proved too hot for Arsenal to handle, as the Ivory Coast striker made it 12 goals in his last 12 games against Wenger's young Gunners. [LNB]Ballack hailed the impact of the 31-year-old, who is just back from international duty at the African Nations Cup and came within inches of netting a hat-trick yesterday when his 20-yard free-kick crashed back off the crossbar. [LNB]"In big games like this, he is there and that is why he is a big player," said Ballack. [LNB]"Didier has unbelievable physical strength, but he has great technique, is a great free-kick taker and has the nose of a striker. [LNB]"He has a lot of qualities and not a lot of players are like this." [LNB]Ballack added: "But we have a lot of big characters and this is why we have a good team. [LNB]"It is really great to play in a team like this. Everybody fights for everybody - there is a good spirit and experience in the team. [LNB]"We have played for a few years together and have a lot of personal qualities in the players. [LNB]"Even if you don't play a fantastic game yourself, we have players who can decide games by one action." [LNB]Chelsea captain John Terry - sacked as England skipper as the fall-out from allegations about his private life continues - lead by example against Arsenal, his header from a corner setting up Drogba for the opening goal. [LNB]The centre-back, however, picked up a dead leg and will be assessed ahead of the trip to Everton on Wednesday night, while it has also been speculated Terry will be given a leave of absence from next weekend's FA Cup tie against Cardiff to deal with off-field issues. [LNB]Ballack maintains the team are united behind their captain. [LNB]"We can't do more than win games and that is what we have done," the midfielder said. [LNB]"We are one team and we don't want to speak about the other thing, but the best answer we can give was on the pitch." [LNB]He added: "We play for Chelsea and that is our job, which is why we have to win games and that is what we did. [LNB]"The team looked confident and settled. [LNB]"It is important to win, even in difficult situations - that is always the best answer."[LNB]
