Ray of light for delighted Wilkins

03 October 2010 19:59
Ray Wilkins hailed Chelsea's resilience as the Blues overpowered Arsenal to earn themselves a four-point lead at the top of the Premier League.[LNB] Didier Drogba's 13th goal in 11 starts against the Gunners and a powerful 30-yard free-kick from defender Alex put Chelsea in a strong position going into the international break.[LNB]The defeat left Arsenal with just one point from the last nine and seven points adrift of the Blues.[LNB]Chelsea responded superbly after a week when their preparations were affected by the death of coach Carlo Ancelotti's father.[LNB]"It's been an extremely difficult week but Carlo would like to thank everybody who has sent their best wishes, especially the League Managers Association," said Wilkins. "He also got a very nice very text from Sir Alex Ferguson and he wanted me to say that.[LNB]"The team prepared itself very well because it has been very difficult for them.[LNB]"The first day after his father died was a little bit lacklustre but then for the last two days they trained exceptionally well.[LNB]"They knew what was in front of them with Arsenal. They are a very good side indeed. For us to beat them is always a delight, it is not always very pleasant to look at but it was effective and I thought the lads were terrific.[LNB]"We didn't play the type of football we like to. But sometimes you have to fight and scrap and I think we have the quality to do so. When we do get in the final third, we certainly have the quality to finish teams off.[LNB]"Arsenal play some wonderful football and they are one of the teams that scare me. They can take the ball off us and not give us it back.[LNB]"That worries me a touch but today we showed great determination and mettle. They had a couple of chances in the first minute so we were a little worried.[LNB]"We were disappointed against Manchester City because we didn't match them with any determination, guts and fire and that hurt our lads. You didn't see a fantastic performance today but a different performance in that we really ground out a very good win.[LNB]"Three points is what we fight for and we are delighted to have got them."[LNB]Drogba's record against Arsenal was labelled as "phenomenal" by Wilkins, who also reserved some praise for Alex's astonishing free-kick.[LNB]"Didier's record against Arsenal is phenomenal but he scores against all of them, not just the Arsenal," said Wilkins. "But he did score a very good goal again.[LNB]"That type of backheel is what Didier is all about. That's what makes him what he is. He certainly does make a difference when he is on fire like he was today.[LNB]"Alex did the same against Liverpool in the Champions League but he practises them. It is not a fluke - he gets out there after training and hits those free-kicks.[LNB]"He works hard at it and reaps his rewards when it comes to him. What a goal it was."[LNB]Wilkins also maintained it was "significant" that Chelsea went into the international break with a four-point lead over Manchester City at the top.[LNB]"It is significant and we are pleased but we are only seven league games in, and there is a lot of football to be played - but we always want to be at the top and at the moment we are there."

Source: Team_Talk