Can Gunners conquer the fortress?

Arsenal face an uphill task against Chelsea tonight as their last win at Stamford Bridge was way back in February 2004

Arsenal’s fading English Premier League title ambitions face a make-or-break moment on Sunday when they visit leaders Chelsea for a London derby at their Stamford Bridge fortress.

A third straight league defeat could leave the Gunners in freefall and a huge 13 points behind the Blues just 15 games in. But equally, winning at Stamford Bridge — where Chelsea have been beaten just once in 89 league games — would send an impressive statement to the rest of the top flight that Arsenal are back in the race.

Despite the Gunners’ dismal league performances on the pitch and dressing-room dust-ups off it, manager Arsene Wenger is relishing the challenge. “This season we have played better against the top four,” he insisted.

“We have to go with extreme desire and express our strong points and not hide. We can play and win anywhere in the world. We know Chelsea are a great side with great players but we can beat them if we play at our best.”

And in his hour of crisis, Wenger has received support from the unlikeliest of sources going into the Chelsea clash — Blues boss Luiz Felipe Scolari. “Arsene is a coach who has been there 12 years. He’s a man that builds teams. Sells this and that, then puts in other players,” said the Portuguese. “Arsenal are very good every year. And when you change two or three players in one season, you need time. The time, I think, for Arsenal and Arsene is now. They can play very well and win many games.”