Source: PA
Wenger: Gunners no longer pushovers
Arsene Wenger believes his young Arsenal side showed they can no longer be bullied by their title rivals after finally striking a significant psychological blow with a long-overdue victory against Chelsea.
The Gunners had lost each of their previous five matches against the Blues, stretching back to November 2008, and were beaten 1-0 at Manchester United in their last Barclays Premier League match.
However, the poor run of form against direct challengers for the championship crown came to an end at Emirates Stadium as Wenger's youngsters heaped more pressure on Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Alex Song put the hosts ahead before half-time, with a quickfire double from captain Cesc Fabregas and Theo Walcott giving Arsenal a three-goal cushion. Although Chelsea reduced the deficit through Branislav Ivanovic, there was no way back for Ancelotti's men, who have now taken just six points from their last eight league games - their worst run since 1998.
Arsenal moved back up into second place, behind leaders United by two points, having now played a match more ahead of the midweek fixtures which see the Gunners at Wigan.
"It was a double impact," Wenger said. "Mathematically, it keeps us in touch with the leaders of the league, and psychologically, it was important because we were questioned about our capability of winning big games. It can be a very pivotal moment but we have to respond away at Wigan on Wednesday night. We are not bullied any more. That is for sure."
