Robben: Victory made a statement
Arjen Robben declared Chelsea had inflicted a psychological blow on their remaining title rivals by showing the strength to avoid a slip-up at Highbury.
Alex Ferguson had admitted he would be supporting Arsenal in the weekend clash, with Manchester United looking to reduce their deficit behind Jose Mourinho’s side following their win at Villa Park.
However, Chelsea’s impressive 2-0 victory reasserted their advantage at the top of the table to nine points, having now come through trips to Highbury, Old Trafford, White Hart Lane and Anfield.
Robben declared: “They were watching with hopes that we were going to lose but we didn’t so that’s a good boost to our confidence and mentally it’s not that nice for them.
“We know that everyone wants us to lose as we are the title holders and we’re at the top of the league, but we are only looking at it from game to game. We just want to continue with the way we’re going and win our games.”
Chelsea’s delight at their first league victory at Highbury since 1990 was obvious, having completed the double over Arsenal, whom they also beat in the Community Shield.
“You always want to win every game, but these are special games. It’s a derby and you want to win it. It was a tough and emotional game but it was a great team performance and we deserved to win,” added Robben.
The Dutchman set Chelsea on their path to victory with his 39th-minute opener, although he should have increased their lead before Joe Cole made it 2-0 as two clear chances went begging
Robben was nevertheless relieved to be back to full fitness, having endured a frustrating spell of injuries, which have restricted his involvement so far this season.
“I knew that I needed a good game, but I also knew that I’d been out for four weeks so I needed to get my rhythm back. I felt really good fitness-wise so I could really show what I’m worth,” he said.
“I scored a few important goals last season but this was a great goal for me. I had a difficult period with all the injuries so I’m just happy to be back.
“I really felt 100% match fitness, maybe for the first time since I came back, so I was really delighted with my own performance.”
Chelsea face west London rivals Fulham at Stamford Bridge on St Stephen's Day and also have testing trips to Manchester City and West Ham over the festive period, as well as a home game against struggling Birmingham.
Robben was therefore taking nothing for granted just yet, despite having just knocked Arsenal out of the title race before Christmas.
He concluded: “There are a lot of tough games to come. I wouldn’t say [the title is in our grasp] as there’s a long way to go. But we can really build from this game as it was a great team performance.”
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