Build Up: Chelsea v Arsenal - Official Press Conferences.

So before what IS the biggest game of the season for both sides I am having a look at the build up to the game tomorrow. Focusing on what both camps have been saying from the Chels and Arse sites.

Firstly let's look at the Chelsea press conference that took place yesterday. Now we all know the news of Carlo's father passing away and he is at his Funeral today, so Ray Wilkins took to the stage yesterday and was asked about the game tomorrow. He said:

"We had two defeats, it is unusual so we were hurting and it was vitally important. The performance against Manchester City wasn't the best so it was important we got back not only on winning but playing well as well.

It was an incredible weekend, we did feel on Monday we were quite fortunate to still be three points in front, but then you have to pay compliments to the teams that played, West Brom, fantastic, and again Bolton on the Sunday. We all expected Man U to win on Sunday but that is the Premiership. Everybody fights very hard for everything they can get and it turned out to be a pleasant weekend for us.

We're very pleased with our style of play, we use all the attributes we have as a group of guys to maximise our chances of winning games.

If it means we have to play with power and strength then that's the way we'll play but I think you've seen the way we've played this year we've played a brand of football that's been quite exceptional and we're thrilled with the way things are going and we will continue to play in that same vein."

(Source: Chelseafc.com)

Now to Arsenal and Arsene Wenger. He was asked about coping with Chelsea's strength and physical prescence and he said:

"What for you is physical strength? How can you explain how Spain won the World Cup and Barcelona beat Chelsea in the Champions League?

Football is not only down to physique. It's down to intelligence, technique, mobility. There is not one way. That's what makes it interesting.

Did Didier Drogba score last week? No he didn’t, he played against Kolo Toure. When Toure played here you said he could not handle him. Suddenly when he moves to Manchester City he’s stronger.

We can [stop Drogba], Nothing is forever, so we can stop it. I feel we should not make an obsession of one player of Chelsea because they have a few players who can score goals against us. What is important is that we have the ball, that we dominate the game and that we are efficient defensively.

It will certainly give an indication of the strengths of the two sides, that is for sure, It’s not too early because it is a confrontation between two top teams. I don’t think it is a decisive game but it is a good indicator about the strengths in the Premier League.

We have had a game since the defeat to West Brom where we played quite well in the Champions League. Chelsea are in the same situation - they lost the game before but played in the Champions League, so on that front we are on the same level.

If we turn up with a great performance – and I am convinced we will – we will beat them. Football is always down to the performance of the day.”

(Source: Arsenal.com)

Pretty much par for the course from both camps. Obviously we would have had a much more open and detailed view from Carlo if he was there. I do think that Wilkins has made an important point about the way we are playing this season. We do not just rely on our physical strength in games and I have to say that Wenger got it spot on by giving examples of Spain and Barcelona.

Tomorrow both sides will look to play their attractive attacking game and it should be a cracker!

(More build up to follow)

KTBFFH

Chelsea fans! Why not go and try the brand new Indian Restaurant in Fulham Broadway The MASALA ZONE before or after the game tomorrow.

Why not grab a Curry, Rice and a beer for just £12!!

The Masala Zone has been awarded the following accreditations:

Best Restaurateur of the Year - Tatler Award
Amaya: Best Restaurant & Best New Restaurant - London Restaurant Awards
Chutney Mary: Best Indian Restaurant - London Restaurant Award
Veeraswamy: Britain's Oldest Indian Restaurant - Established 1926
Masala Zone: "10/10 for food, service & value for money" The Guardian

So if you need food before or after the game then why not head to The Masala Zone (opposite Barclays Bank) and please mention you have seen this advert on my website "Chelseadaft" for me when you go in. 

The Masala Zone - Real Indian Food!

KTBFFH!